Martina Hingis/Jana Novotna  Interviewed by On The Line, Sunday, August 23, 1998, Montreal By Chris Gerby

  I was able to speak briefly with Martina Hingis and Jana Novotna following the doubles final (if you haven't already, see Ed's match report for details on how they fared). I was not the only reporter present, but I am the one who requested them and I got in the last few questions, which are transcribed here...

  Q: Martina, you'll be going for the doubles Grand Slam in New York, which hasn't been done since the original Martina back in the '80s.

  HINGIS (eyebrows raised): Oh, whoa.

  NOVOTNA: OK, now then we have to lose.

  HINGIS (pretending to smack Jana in the head): No. Hey!

  Q: I know it wouldn't mean quite as much to you as a singles Grand Slam, but is it something you're excited about?

  HINGIS: Well, I said actually last year, you know, I was very good in my singles, very successful, and I said, well, I want to get to the first place in doubles. And that's what I did this year, but my singles kinda dropped. So I will try to do well in both, but it's always exciting and it puts you in a better mood after you lose in singles. Anyway, it would be great if you can win both, but at least the doubles, you know. It's still exciting to have at least one Grand Slam, always a nice title.

  Q: That long last game of the match you played against Kijimuta and Miyagi a few days ago was just about the most entertaining thing I've seen there this week.

  NOVOTNA: Then you haven't seen anything yet.

  Q: Is it nice to play with a partner who has fun out on the court?

  HINGIS: I just couldn't hold my serve. I just couldn't close it out and then all of a sudden I serve and she told me NOW. So I was listening and I hit a big serve, ace.

  NOVOTNA: No, but it's very nice to play with somebody who can enjoy it and if you have fun, I think that's the most important thing. I think that as soon as we are serious, our tennis goes downhill. We always have to go out and have fun, enjoy it, and that's when we produce the best tennis, so we have to keep on doing that.

  Q: I guess Davenport and Zvereva will be looking for revenge at the U.S. Open. Do either of you have a message for them?

  NOVOTNA: Yes.

  HINGIS: Yes. Three Grand Slam finals and the fourth is coming up, so...

  NOVOTNA: They're not gonna stop us now.
 

Want to react to this report? Click here to send us feedback.