Elena Dementieva
Elena Dementieva
Elena Viacheslavovna Dementieva; born 15 October 1981) is a retired Russian tennis player. Dementieva won the singles gold medal at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, having previously won the silver medal at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. She won 16 WTA singles titles, reached the finals of the 2004 French Open and 2004 US Open and reached seven other Grand Slam semi finals. Dementieva was also part of the Russian team that won the 2005 Fed Cup, won the 2002...
ProfessionTennis Player
Date of Birth15 October 1981
best exhibition great matter start trying whether year
It's really a great start to the year no matter whether it's an exhibition or not. I was trying to play my best and I really did it.
against ball feeling patient playing single
I just had a feeling I was playing against the wall. She was playing every single ball back to me. She was so patient on the court.
against chance extra great hope knowing motivation next
I hope she wins, ... I think she's a great player, and I'd like another chance against her. There is extra motivation for me ... knowing that I have a chance to play next week.
goals help increase level trying win
I haven't set any big goals for myself this year. I just want to increase the level of my game. I am trying to get a better serve. I know that can help me win a big title.
couple improved last moves played solid
I played her a couple of times before, but right now, she is a completely different player. She has such a solid game. She moves much better. She really improved a lot the last two years.
almost madison playing remember saw square time york
I play her so many times. I remember my first time playing in New York in Madison Square Garden, first round. When I saw the draw, I was almost like crying. I said, 'Ma, I want to go home.
playing seen
I have never seen her playing that well.
certain good help helped longer mental needed parts technical time together
I needed a change, ... There were mental and technical things that she could no longer help me with. We had a very good time together and she really helped with certain parts of my game, but it was finished.
confidence game good happy hope played rest solid today
I'm happy to have played such a good game in the final. I played very solid today and I hope this will give me confidence for the rest of the season.
happened slow start trouble
I'm a very slow starter. I usually start to play better when I am in trouble and that's what happened today.
desire played stronger team
If she played it would make our team even stronger but I don't think she has such a desire,
seconds
If she has 20 seconds, she's going to use 25 seconds between points,
against ball feeling hit likes moving playing single stayed waiting
I had a feeling I'm playing against a wall. She was playing every single ball back to me and she was moving great. She likes to hit flat, she stayed aggressive, she was patient, she was waiting for my mistakes. The whole match, so consistent.
helps
I like to play first, it helps me with my preparation.