Jelena withdraws from Kiwi Open

By Pierre Cantin
Date: 8/10/2001

Jelena finally took the decision to not make the trip for Shangai, a great decision in my opinion for many reasons especially after what is happening in Afghanistan.

Many players have decided to not enter certain tournaments to avoid taking the plane and Jelena had not been one of them, sure it served her very well in Moscow but I think this decision is very wise. With the war starting, taking a slower way to Filderstadt, Germany is certainly safer for Jelena.

But in my mind, the most important factor ewas getting rest. Jelena played many straight tournaments before the US Open to be sure to be seeded and after her loss to Hingis she said she needed rest and would take it soon. Well we can't say she kept her word as Jelena played every single tournament she could until this one...So let's hope this week off can do some well and give a chance to Jelena to rest a little!

"I´m disappointed I can´t come back to Shanghai, because I had a great time there last year. But after straining my ankle early in the Moscow final I need to rest it for the upcoming tournaments. I´m really happy with the way I´m playing right now, so it´s a shame I can´t make it to Shanghai this year."