Newly-crowned champion Justine Henin and beaten finalist Ana Ivanovic spoke immediately after the final. Mary Pierce, who handed the pair their trophies, also spoke. Here’s what they had to say:
Justine Henin
On TV
"It’s wonderful to win here again, especially without losing a set! I love this tournament. It’s magical. I went through some tough times at the start of the year but now I’m back with my family. I am very happy.”
Speaking to the crowd :
"I would like to thank all the people who have supported, you the fans, but also my team. Your support is so precious. I dedicate this victory to my family. I missed you. Dad you will be watching on TV no doubt and I send you my love. Justine thanked various members of her family before making a reference to her mother, now deceased. My greatest thanks go to those who are no longer with us. You are still alive in my heart.”
Post-match press conference:
"I started badly actually. I was a bit wary of her power, but I needn’t have been concerned. I served well and moved back a lot on her serve, which bothered her. And the game turned quickly. I didn’t need to play great tennis in the end. I wasn’t afraid of winning at the end. This trophy is like a first for me. I needed to spend time alone to make progress. I kept things under control over the first week, without feeling really comfortable. After my win over Sybille Bammer, I had a long chat with Carlos (Rodriguez) and that did me a lot of good. I knew that I would have to go for it against Serena Williams in the quarter-final, and that’s what I did."
Ana Ivanovic
On TV
"I was very nervous, I must admit, but she played very well. I couldn’t get my service under control. She is a great champion and I congratulate her."
Speaking to the crowd
"I’m very happy to be here, but I would have been even happier if I had won the trophy (laughs)! I lost to a fabulous player. I had two great weeks. Thank-you for your support. See you next year!"
Post-match press conference
"I felt good at the start of the match. But then when it came to my turn to serve it just hit me all of a sudden. I wasn’t able to throw the ball up properly. I was throwing it all over the place. So I focussed on that and forgot to move. I had a good night but I got overexcited during the match. Experience makes all the difference. Sven (Groenefeld, her coach) wasn’t able to advise me and I think that disturbed me. I was a bit angry with myself because I know I can do better than that. But I will learn from this defeat and the fortnight here."
Mary Pierce
Speaking to the crowd
"I hope to see you next year, out there on court!"
