AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2001

        Words after defeating Marissa Irvin in the first round.

(Translation from Diario La Provincia (16/01/01))

    The Canarian Magüi Serna was the first Spanish player who got a win at the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the season, which began yesterday in Melbourne Park and that also counted with the win of the Canarian Marta Marrero by two sets to one against the American Morariu.

    Serna defeated the American Marissa Irvin easily, by 6-1 and 6-3 in less than an hour. She’ll face now the French Emile Loit, who defeated the Italian Giulia Casoni by 6-3, 2-6 and 6-3.

    “I’ve played very solid and that’s been the key”, said Serna, “I took the match seriously and I’ve played very calm, which is what I need”, she added. The Canarian player knows that this match and the one she’ll play later against Loit, will be a reference and preparation for the one she should play against the American Monica Seles (fourth-seeded) in the third round. “I’m looking forward to playing her, I’ve never played her before and in a Grand Slam that’s a great occasion”, she said.

    "The Grand Slams are the most important tournaments, there are only four every year and everyone prepares very well for them. I remember my performance last year at Wimbledon (quarterfinals against Jelena Dokic) and I would like to repeat it”, she commented.

    Serna said that the courts don’t seem as fast as last year although maybe the difference are the balls that are used this year. “ They don’t have as much pressure, they weigh more, and that benefit us”, she said.