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Notebook Money is great motivator for SerenaPosted: Sunday June 01, 2003 4:14 PMPARIS (AP) -- Serena Williams has won more than $11 million playing tennis. Money, however, has not lost its charm for her. Williams is three victories from earning $966,000 as the French Open champion. In January, she won $654,000 as the Australian Open champion and jokingly complained that wasn't enough. "I've always been motivated at the U.S. Open because they always pay a lot," Williams said Sunday. "I mean, this year I think it will probably be $950,000. Who wouldn't want to win that? "But it's tough for tournaments like Australia," she said with a smile. "I definitely play to win the Grand Slam when I go there." When told about her comment, Australian Open champion Andre Agassi said: "My prayer is that I never get to a point in life where I think hundreds of thousands of dollars isn't a lot of money."
Happy birthday, JustineWhen Justine Henin-Hardenne's husband awoke Sunday, he forgot to wish her happy birthday. The oversight made Henin-Hardenne laugh and helped take her mind off the day's challenge: playing in the fourth round at the French Open. "It eased my tension because I thought it was funny," the Belgian said. "It took him a few minutes before he realized." Henin-Hardenne defeated No. 19 Patty Schnyder 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 to advance to the quarterfinals, where she'll play Chanda Rubin. "It's lovely to win on your 21st birthday," said Henin-Hardenne, a 2001 semifinalist at Roland Garros with nine career singles titles. A small celebration was planned, but the details were secret. "I haven't got a clue," Henin-Hardenne said. "It's being organized."
French lessonTwo decades ago, Yannick Noah gave the French their most recent men's champion at Roland Garros. Noah upset defending champion Mats Wilander in the 1983 French Open final. He's the last Frenchman to win a Grand Slam title. "I remember not being too upset about losing," said Wilander, a seven-time Grand Slam champion. "I'm very happy that he won this tournament." The Swede recalled the emotions that fueled Noah as he swept to a straight-set victory: "Within half an hour, I knew I was going to lose," Wilander said. Wilander attended Noah's victory celebration that night at a club near the Arc de Triomphe. "I remember clearly, we bumped into each other and had a drink together," Wilander said. Now captain of Sweden's Davis Cup team, Wilander said it surprises him that no Frenchman has been able to repeat Noah's feat. Only Henri Leconte came close, reaching the final in 1988, where he lost -- to Wilander. "Roland Garros has grown over the years, but there still hasn't been a French winner since Yannick," Wilander said. "It was truly a unique moment. Even if it was less special for me because I lost."
Late bloomerTennis wasn't always the top priority for French Open quarterfinalist Martin Verkerk. "I was pretty lazy about my sport," the 24-year-old Dutchman said. "I enjoyed my time from 18 until 21. ... I've seen everything that a young guy should have seen." He took the advice of coaches and buckled down, nurturing the talent that was evident Sunday when he beat No. 11 Rainer Schuettler 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 to win a spot in the quarters. Not bad for a guy who'd never won a Grand Slam match before last week. Verkerk, who exited the Australian Open and last year's U.S. Open in the first round, faces 1998 French Open winner Carlos Moya next. |
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