Notebook

Seles: 'Realistically, I have five years left'

PARIS (AP) -- When Monica Seles stepped off the court Tuesday after her 6-1, 6-1 loss to Venus Williams in the French Open quarterfinals, the crowd gave her a standing ovation.

Whether it was their last chance to cheer the 28-year-old former champion was anyone's guess.

"[When] the moment comes that I won't be enjoying the practice, I'll stop," Seles said in another vague response to questions about retirement. "Realistically, I have definitely a maximum five years."

Seles made the quarterfinals this year in her return to Roland Garros. She missed the tournament last year because of a foot injury.

A point of friendship

Paola Suarez didn't, and now her friend and compatriot Clarisa Fernandez is the first Argentine woman to reach the French Open semifinals since Gabriela Sabatini in 1992.

On set point during a tiebreaker, Fernandez's serve was initially called out. But Suarez conceded it was an ace and walked off the court as Fernandez evened the match at a set apiece. Fernandez went on to win the match 2-6, 7-6 (5), 6-1.

"One point really doesn't decide a match," Suarez said. "In the tiebreak, I wasn't going to discuss this. We're friends."

Fernandez said she had to leave personal feelings behind when play began.

"I think any player is just one more opponent," Fernandez said. "I go out on the court to try to win, whether she's my friend or not."

The 20-year-old Fernandez faces No. 2 Venus Williams for the chance to play in the finals.

Just Friends

When asked if Perry was her boyfriend, Capriati replied with a smile that the actor was "just a good friend."

Perry was spotted rooting for her in March at the Nasdaq-100 tournament in Miami.

After Capriati beat Jelena Dokic in three sets Tuesday to reach the semifinals, Perry shook hands with Capriati's father, Stefano.

 

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