STANFORD, CA, USA - Early on in the season, Elena Dementieva was always in the major conversations. She won two of her first three tournaments of the year - both Premier-level, at Sydney and Paris - and was a strong No.5.
There was a low moment at the French Open, however. For the first time in her career, Dementieva had to retire at a Grand Slam, a calf injury getting the better of her in her semifinal against eventual champion Francesca Schiavone. She was forced to miss the entire grass court season too, but this week makes her return to the circuit at the Bank of the West Classic in Stanford.
On the semifinals of the French...
"I injured myself in the second round. I won a few matches after that but in the semifinals I was sure I couldn't make it to the end of the match. I didn't want to quit - even standing on one leg - but I had to. It was really disappointing."
On injuries...
"Injury is part of the game. You have to learn how to deal with them. Sometimes you can play through them, but sometimes you have to stop or they will be there for a few months. I couldn't rush coming back, I had to recover."
On the time off...
"I didn't hit for a couple of weeks. I was at home in Moscow, I was in Greece, I was in Latvia - I was visiting my family all around the world, making sure I saw everyone while I wasn't playing! I started running again during Wimbledon, then started hitting again when my leg felt okay."
On Schiavone's shining moment...
"I was really happy for Francesca. I've known her for so many years. We played the juniors together and she has always worked so hard. It was a magical moment for her. It was emotional. She made history for Italy."
On coming back to the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour...
"I feel ready now. I took so many weeks off. It was tough for me, but I think the break has helped me. I feel fresh now and I'm ready for the hardcourts."
