A Slideshow Of Mary's Career
6th June 2000
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In an eye-popping quarterfinal match against Monica Seles, Mary dominated the court with her forehand, smoking 15 winners, while throwing an impressive nine winners with her muscular two-handed backhand. The contest featured few long rallies, as both veteran blasters attempted to immediately take control of points by pasting balls to the corners. After Seles had taken the first set 6-4, Mary settled down and broke her opponent in the third game of the second set. She won the set 6-3, and then stormed to a 2-0, 40-0 lead in the third. She quickly lost her lead as Seles broke back and went up 3-2. While serving at 3-3 in the third set, the Yugoslav-American grew a little bit nervous and double-faulted at deuce, handing Mary a break point. Mary didn't waste the opportunity and broke for a 4-3 lead. Games then went with serve with Mary closing out the contest by ripping a backhand crosscourt winner past an outstretched Seles. |
The crowd rose in unison and cheered wildly and Mary was all smiles, waving to her newfound public time and time again.
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"The crowd support was
awesome," Pierce said. "I'll take it as it comes. I love the crowd and
want their support, but if there comes a time when it turns around, I won't let
it affect me." “I love it when they support me... I can’t say it’s not important. Definitely it is. It’s great to have the crowd behind you,” she said. “I lost the first set and still they encouraged me, supported me,”
Mary said she is a much calmer
person and player now. |