Former world number one Amelie Mauresmo stumbled into the Australian Open third round on Wednesday, admitting she still lacks the confidence that took her to the top of the rankings.
The 2006 Melbourne Park champion, seeded 18th after an injury-plagued end to last season, led 5-1 in the second set but she allowed Russian Yaroslava Shvedova back into the match before sealing a 6-4 7-6 victory.
”I probably got a little bit tight in that moment and really wasn’t able to finish that match off,” Mauresmo told reporters.
”I really think the lack of confidence showed a little bit, lack of playing matches and being in that position more often the last few months.”
Mauresmo coughed up eight double faults, six in the second set, and world number 85 Shvedova took full advantage, forcing a tiebreak before the Frenchwoman pulled herself together to win it 7-5.
She will play Casey Dellacqua in the third round after the Australian upset 15th seed Patty Schnyder.
”The tension got to me at that moment, so after that I was just happy that I could finish it in that second set,” Mauresmo said.
Mauresmo was doubtful for the tournament because of a groin injury but said her fitness was improving all the time.
”It’s been going better and better last week, and definitely better during my first match,” she said.
”So I could play today with really not thinking about it, and no — being 100%, really.”
Having finished last year outside of the top 10 for the first time since 2000, Mauresmo is not even thinking about winning the title.
”I’m just thinking really what I’m feeling, how I’m feeling, how I’m playing and the way I want things to go,” the winner of two grand slam titles said.
”Get the confidence back. That’s the main concern for me.” – Reuters