Amelie Mauresmo said on Tuesday she had stepped up a gear after
last month's Australian Open fourth round exit.
"I got straight back to the courts and went into overdrive," the
world number three told a news conference at the Paris Open, where
she starts the defence of her title this week.
"I have worked a lot and now I have to wait and start the
competition because it is always different than when you
practice.
"I have a much better feeling about my game as I have preferred
practice over work-outs," added the former World number one.
"I still have highs and lows but I am much better."
Second seed Mauresmo, who was granted a bye for the first round,
will launch her campaign in an all-French second round clash with
Nathalie Dechy.
Dechy won their last match 3-6 6-2 6-3 in the second round at
Eastbourne last year.
Mauresmo reckoned the field at this year's Paris Open was much
more competitive than in the past.
Should she beat Dechy, she faces a possible third round match
against Russian eighth seed Anna Chakvetadze.
"The level of play will be very high, it is good for the
tournament and for the show," the Wimbledon champion added.
Mauresmo said she was sorry Belgian Kim Clijsters, who will
retire at the end of the season, had to pull out of the tournament
with a hip injury.
"I hope we will have other opportunities to meet on court," she
said. "I am a bit sad that she is going to retire but that is her
decision and we have to respect it."
(China Daily via Reuters February 7, 2007)