Amélie Mauresmo: "I Touch wood!"

After a chaotic season, the French champion back on more solid foundations. New coach, new methods and no injury on the horizon: the player, which will celebrate her 30th birthday in 2009, is preparing with ambitions for the Australian tour.

Amélie, how are you and how did this winter preparation?
Everything is fine even if I'm in my last phase of preparation and that the workload was very important. Recent weeks have been difficult but inevitable to make a good preparation!

In what areas have you worked particularly in recent weeks?
The work was a mixture of physical preparation and tennis hard with the introduction of a specific work that matches the goals we have established with Hugo. We worked primarily on the return of service and different points of the game that were not good last season.

Health problems and above all you have injuries that affected last season are completely resolved?
Listen, I touch wood (Laughter). In any case, since the beginning of my winter preparation, everything is ok. I am vigilant and I force myself to take care on a daily basis because prevention is better than cure.

How is working with Hugo Lecoq, your new coach?
I am very satisfied with my debut with Hugo. The communication is great between us and the work we do together is very precise.

In a few weeks, you will start your tour of Australia. Have you set clear goals?
As with all my debut season, I get quick victories and mostly good marks at my game That's why I wanted to play at least two tournaments before that of Melbourne.

"Really want to participate in the Fed Cup! "

Nicolas Escudé took the helm of the Fed Cup team after a unanimous choice of players. We imagine that you have strongly supported his appointment ...
Yes, absolutely. Nicolas was the ideal person because of his past as a player and his desire to live the adventure with us. I believe it has the values to be Fed Cup captain and we all have great confidence in him.

What it can bring you back?
His experience in Davis Cup will be essential because it has been very involved in his group during his playing career. And his experience as a player can also give us too greatly.

Alexia Dechaume, your agent, has also become the coach Fed Cup. Were you aware of this desire?
In fact, once the appointment of Nicolas validated, the captain told us he wanted Alexia to be the coach. Obviously, I was very happy but the main thing was above all that the team is in agreement, which has been the case quickly. I think they will complement each other well and put their knowledge and their desire to serve the team.

Nicolas Escude, Alexia Dechaume familiar ... This suggests that you will get involved again in this group ...
It is true that this new team gives me really want to participate in this adventure!

How will you spend the holiday season?
I have just returned from Biarritz, where I was in my preparation stage, but just ends December 27. Until then, I will continue to train in Paris before flying to Australia on the 28th in the morning. In the meantime, I'll spend Christmas quietly with family ... And without a big gap please! On New Year's Eve, I will be in Australia!