Seeds of doubt for Elena
ByReuters
Published 19/01/2004 at 03:33 GMT
Elena Dementieva said she may skip the Australian Open in future after slumping out in the first round on Monday. The seventh-seeded Russian blamed the heat, poor health and a lack of preparation for her upset 6-1 6-4 defeat by Jelena Jankovic of Serbia a
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"Maybe I should not play the Australian Open next season because I never play well here," said a dejected Dementieva, who also lost in the first round last year.
"I think it was impossible to be ready to play... after being with my family in Moscow at Christmas. But I wouldn't change my schedule. My life is more important to me than tennis."
Dementieva has never progressed past the fourth round in Melbourne and added her name to a list of those who believe the tournament should be held later in the year.
"I would like to have this tournament a little bit later," said the 22-year-old.
"It is hard to play a grand slam and show your maximum so early in the year. I think it is a reaction (to losing) but I have to change something with my schedule."
Dementieva complained that a fever had disrupted her preparation for the Australian Open.
"I was sick two days ago and had a temperature of 38 degrees, so I didn't feel well on court," said the big-hitting Russian, who won three title on the WTA tour last season.
"I just felt very bad, maybe because of the heat. I had trouble with the heat in Sydney too.
"I really like Australia but you can't start by losing in the first round two times (running), especially in a grand slam. It really doesn't go so well here."
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