[i] This is a new idea on the Rennae Reporter. We will have a series of profiles of the fans. Who are the weird, crazy people that like Rennae?

[ii] You can read other profiles, before you leave:

Get to know: Karen
(Webmaster of the Rennae Reporter)

Why the hell Rennae? specially when you could be a fan of Mary Pierce?

I discovered Rennae back in 1992 at the Fed Cup in Frankfurt. Unlike other players she was never in a rush to leave the court and was always more than willing to pose for photos and talk with fans afterwards. I found out which hotel she was staying at and left her a note of thanks at the reception desk. A few months later she wrote back to me. She gave me some details about herself and thanked me for my support and interest in her career. I have always had faith in Rennae. I admire her for the way she's continued to battle on. Her career was almost brought to an abrupt end in 1997. She was out for over 8 months with a serious wrist injury, but yet she's bounced back and is now probably enjoying the best years of her career. What you see with Rennae is what you get, she doesn't put on show for the cameras, she's just an every day down to earth person. I know some people are quite scared of her (aren't you Sian!) but she's nowt but a big softie at heart.

Would you ever follow someone else so closely on the tour?

I don't think I could ever follow anyone like I have followed Rennae. When Rennae retires then I retire too. I am a very loyal person, I have followed Rennae for over 10 years, so I would find it very hard to follow anyone else with the same enthusiasm and passion. Tennis without Rennae would be like a broken pencil............completely pointless

What do you think of Lisa Raymond?

I get asked this question a lot, but to be honest I don't really know Lisa Raymond at all. I think she is probably one of the best doubles players I have ever seen. I think she is a very underestimated player and is probably not given the credit she deserves, which I'm sure frustrates her greatly. I was very disappointed that she didn't make the 2000 USA Olympic squad. I guess I have to thank Lisa for bringing out the best in Rennae, the two of them work so well together, the last 6 years have been the happiest in Rennae's career.

Dear Karen, do you like Arantxa? Is it true you call her "Anthrax"?

I was a very big Steffi Graf fan, so I enjoyed the rivalry between Steffi and Arantxa. I was at the two Wimbledon finals. I don't think I could ever sit and support Arantxa in a match (sorry Mel, but until she gets rid of her tash I can't see how you fancy her so much ) but I do admire all she's done for tennis, she's been a good ambassador. I always get tennis players names wrong, I have come out with some classics in my time, so yes I probably did call her Anthrax and everyone else seems to have carried on the joke.

How did you come up with the idea of this website? how have you improved it through time? tell us about its history.

Well basically a work friend of mine volunteered to help me set up the web site. He wasn't a Rennae fan, but at first he was very enthusiastic about creating the initial design. I had previously created a newsletter which included quite a lot of jokes, so I gave him the old newsletters to work from and asked him to create something very similar. We decided to promote the web site on the WTA message board. The web site was very raw, we only had a few pages on show, so unfortunately people judged us purely on the humour alone. We got ripped apart and sadly got quite a lot of abuse thrown our way. Let's just say it wasn't the best of starts. I'd like to think the web site is much improved from its early days, myself and Bea are revamping the site all the time. My only regret is that we didn't start the web site ealier in Rennae's career, I'm just hoping she continues to play a few more years yet.

What goes through your mind when rennae loses it again on court?

I get really upset when Rennae loses a match, I can actually feel physically sick before, during and after. I know that Rennae flies off the handle, but that's part and parcel of her game, I don't think you'll ever change her. Rennae can let herself down big style.Wimbledon was a prime example of that. To be 6-1 3-1 up and then 4-2 up in the third the set, well I think it was unforgivable of her to let that slip away. I actually predicted she would lose, but I still needed that bit of time on my own to come to terms with the fact the defending Champions were out and so needlessly!

What do you wish for Rennae?

Well I'd like her to remain happy and injury free. I also hope that one day she can finally take the French Open doubles title. Not many years left to try, but I hope she can keep plugging away. I guess I just want the best for her.

Karen, what were your feelings when rennae refused to play ball in the match against Conchita/Mary at Wimbledon?

I was very surprised to be honest and somewhat disappointed that Reanne showed little consideration for Lisa, Mary or Conshita. Sometimes Rennae can be her own worst enemy. It was the fact Rennae just walked off court and sat down without discussing it with Lisa. In all honesty, Rennae was probably right, it was far too dark, but I just think Rennae should have spoke with her partner first before sitting down and packing her rackets away. She showed lack of respect for the other 3 players on court, but obviously Rennae's the boss :)

What has been the high point in your Rennae-supporting? and the lowest point?

Sitting up all night and watching them win the 2000 Australian Open. Fantastic tennis by both teams. At the end of the match I was crying and my whole body was shaking. Plus, it was sure nice to wipe that smug grin off Martina's face. There's been a few low points, the 2002 Australian Open and Wimbledon the most recent, the biggest collapses since the Berlin wall came down. On the whole though, I am totally happy with the way Rennae's career is going. If she retired tomorrow I'd have no complaints about the amount of titles won and total commitment she's given to the sport. I am extremely proud of her achievements.

When Rennae retires, do you hope she will compete on the Seniors tour alongside the greats such as Kathy Rinaldi, Wendy Turnbull and Virginia Wade?

I don't think she would to be honest, but if she did then I would be there to support her. My prediction is that one day Rennae will be the Australian Fed Cup captain. She is a great motivator and I think she would be ideal for the job. I've been right about career so far, so only time will tell.

Who is your fav bunch of people to go to tourneys with?

In the early days I went away with my mates Cath and Eve. I look back on all those tournaments with much affection. The conversations we had still bring a smile to my face now. I think the most enjoyable times were my three trips to the Rome Open with Eve. One time I was 7 months pregnant (went against doctors orders and flew) and I laughed that much I almost gave birth twice. Sadly, Eve and myself have grown apart. I guess it's a combination of us growing up and living very different life styles. I still go away with Cath and I recently enjoyed a few days away with Mel at the French Open final. We didn't see the result we wanted, but Mel kept me smiling regardless.......... cheers mate!

What do you hope for in 2003?

Well I was quite shocked when I heard the news that Rennae and Lisa had split. I now look at the 2003 season completely different. I feel Rennae will need lots of support and I'd like to try and attend as many tournaments as possible to see her play. My prediction is that Rennae will win at least one Grand Slam title. I'm not so sure which Slam this will be, and it could quite possibly be a mixed title ................. but who knows!

Favourite drink: Pepsi Max

Favourite Food: Chinese

Nick name: Wad or Waddy

When was the last time you cried: Well I try and battle back my emotions. I�m not one for crying in front of people. I think the last time I was totally inconsolable was probably January of this year.

Who is your best friend: I have quite a few. One person that does stand out is my mate Robbo, she�s probably the nicest person I have ever met and I love her to bits. It�s her 40th birthday next year and we are going away to Turkey to celebrate. There are 16 of us going, so it�s guaranteed to be a fortnight to remember.

Happiness moment in life: When my daughter Laura was born. She�s a true joy. She�s everything I wanted her to be and more.

Saddest moment in life: Quite a few things spring to mind, but most recent was the death of my Jack Russell dog in January of this year. Having to look into his eyes and say goodbye was truly heartbreaking. I miss him very much and think about him everyday.

Country you�d most like to visit: I love Italy. My favourite place is Venice, it�s fabulously romantic. St Mark�s Square, the bridge of Sighs and the Rialto bridge with its shops and markets are wonderful. I�ve been twice before and I would love to go again. Any volunteers to take me?

5 ideal dinner guests and why: I would probably invite the most genuine loyal Rennae fans I know. Bea, Kerstin, Britta, Emmanuelle and Cath. I can't think of five nicer people to sit at a dinner table with. We could talk about Rennae all night. I wouldn't invite Mel cos she'd just want duck!!!