There was more depth in women's game during my time: Pierce

BENGALURU: Mary Pierce's love for France and the French Open runs deep. Although born in Canada, her determination to transport to France - thanks to her mother being French - would end up to be probably the most highest ones she made in her profession. Quintessentially French, she holds her Roland Garros title in 2000 and the 2 Fed Cup victories pricey to her heart.

ALSO READ: Pierce hails remarkable qualities of Federer and Serena

"Playing on the centre court at the French Open and just living those moments, it's just amazing," mentioned Pierce, a two-time Grand Slam singles champion.

"It was special (winning Fed Cup). I was selected when I was 15 years old, playing and winning it twice. And then to go to the Olympics and represent France... that was very special," she mentioned.

In Bengaluru as the event ambassador for TCS World 10Ok, the French diva spoke about her profession and the present state of tennis. Excerpts:

How does it really feel to be back in India and be associated with the event?

It's good. It's my first time being an match ambassador for a working match so I'm having a look forward to the race. I'm happy to be back in India, my 3rd time right here. I believe it is great what Procam has accomplished to convey sports activities to the vanguard.

What do you bring to mind women's tennis now, is it extra aggressive now?

When you look back to the 90s and 2000s, you had a lot of depth. Obviously, the game has advanced, the rackets, new generation, the strings, the women are hitting the ball tougher. They are extra athletic and more fit.

There is nobody dominating the WTA circuit at present...

Sometimes other people like to peer a competition between two players. But in lately's recreation, there are a handful of ladies who come into a match and you don't know who's going to win. That keeps it thrilling.

Do you assume Serena Williams now not being seeded is fair?

If you are injured or you've a child, you've protected scores that can used for positive selection of tournaments. They do not use that to seed you. I believe this is the place the WTA may rethink.

How was once the revel in enjoying in the Golden Era?

The competition was once so difficult and I believe it was once wonderful what I was ready to perform. My dream was once all the time to win the French Open. I achieved that. It was once wonderful how long I was on best of ladies's tennis.

Don't French players care for a lot of drive on the Roland Garros?

As a French player, you have got everyone looking at you when you play in France. And when you move on the centre courtroom, when you win, everyone loves you and when you lose they don't. I went via a lot with the French crowds but in any case, it was once probably the most stunning thing I experienced in my profession.

Which is your most valuable Grand slam?

The Australian was once my first one. The French singles was once my dream come true. Then to win the doubles the next day to come with Martina (Hingis) was once the cherry on the cake. Obviously, winning the Wimbledon combined doubles with Mahesh Bhupathi... I will be able to't say it was once probably the most special...because the French Open was once my dream. But Wimbledon is Wimbledon.

Turning professional at 14, how did you care for the loneliness?

I was lucky I travelled with my circle of relatives until I was 18. But from 18, when my folks divorced, I was more or less alone. But I was lucky to have my brother round all over two years – in 2000 and 2005 -- of my profession. And the ones two years had been my highest years. You can see how that can make a difference. It can get very lonely. Especially when you're on the best, agree with turns into an issue.