(Tenis.Temalia.com)

Francisco Acedo Torregrosa

   The Canarian tennis player Magüi Serna is living a great year 2002, when she has ‘made her debut’ as winner of a WTA tournament (in Estoril) and has contributed to the qualification of the Spanish team for the second round of the Fed Cup. She spoke to TENIS.TEMALIA.COM about her past, present and future in Almería.

Question: At last arrived a WTA tournament.

Answer: Yes. It was time. After four finals I could finally get it in Estoril (Portugal). I needed to win because of many reasons, but especially in the personal aspect. I wanted to show myself that I could win a tournament abroad. Everyone said that I played very well, but my curriculum missed a title. Since Estoril I feel more fulfilled, that’s the truth. I play even happier and try to enjoy myself on court. 

Question: Where can be your sports top?.

Answer: I don’t know. I think I can win anywhere if I’m lucky…This is not a swanking, but I think in the sports aspect I’m not so far from my rivals. This win in Estoril is going to be really positive for me from now. I want to face Roland Garros with optimism and try to go as far as possible.

Question: You are 23 years old and are professional for six years. Do you remember the hard early stages?.

Answer: Sure. Being professional in tennis in Spain isn’t easy, and especially if you are a woman. I had always liked this sport, but when I started practicing it, I never thought I would become professional. It isn’t easy the beginning for a tennis player, with the trainings, the preparation, the exercises, etc. You have to be strong-willed to improve, but it’s worth. With effort you can go far in the sport. That has always been my watchword.

Question: You are one of those players that ‘forgets’ tennis practicing other sports. Is that good for the mind?.

Answer: It’s OK for me. When you can, you have to ‘switch off’ the tournaments, the trips, the strain, in the best way. I do this playing golf and swimming. In the Canarian Islands you can do this during the whole year and I do it as often as I can. These two sports are relaxing and compatible with tennis. I recommend everyone to try them.

Question: The ambitions for the year 2002?.

Answer: It’s improving in the WTA ranking and doing well in the Grand Slams, especially in Roland Garros, because I love the atmosphere there. Later I want to be in the Fed Cup team in the final phase and if it’s possible, win it again. It isn’t going to be easy, but our obligation is trying to win the title.