The Gisela Dulko Interview
The Gisela Dulko Interview
Three first-round exits in her last four tournaments did not exactly give Gisela Dulko a jolt of confidence coming into the US Open.
In fact, Dulko, who had never surpassed the second round in five prior Flushing Meadows appearances, entered the event with limited expectations.
“Not at all. I didn’t feel good at all (coming in),” Dulko said. “I didn’t feel well in many matches during the summer, but you know I’ve been practicing hard to come here and play good tennis.”
The positive approach has paid off as Dulko dominated 30th-seeded Alona Bondarenko, 6-4, 6-0, in 67 minutes to reach the US Open third round for the first time.
It was Dulko’s first win over Bondarenko in four years as she avenged a 6-4, 6-3, loss to Bondarenko in the opening round of the 2007 Open. Setting the tone on serve, she struck four aces, did not double fault and erased five of seven break points.
“I started playing really well and I was very aggressive and I think I served well and I played a lot better than in the first round,” Dulko said.
The challenge to stay in the draw will rise considerably as the 40th-ranked Argentine could face 2008 finalist Jelena Jankovic for a spot in the round of 16 if Jankovic beats Yaroslava Shvedova today. The Buenos Aires-based baseliner beat Jankovic in their last hard-court meeting on hard court, 6-4, 7-6(5), in Miami in March, but the former World No. 1 has won three of their four meetings, including a three-set victory at the Open three years ago.
“She’s a really talented player and she made the final here last year so that’s a tough match,” Dulko said. “I’m really happy to be in the third round and I’m looking forward to the next match. I want to stay aggressive and keep playing hard.”
One of tennis’ most graceful and glamorous players, Dulko says Maria Sharapova is one of her favorite players to watch. She had a personal view of Sharapova in action when she upset the three-time Grand Slam champion at Wimbledon earlier this summer.
Scoop Malinowski caught up with Dulko today for this Biofile interview.
Height/Weight: 5-foot-7, 123 pounds.
Born On: January 30, 1985 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Tennis Inspiration: “Monica Seles. (Meet her?) No I didn’t have the chance but I loved her game and her attitude on the court.”
First Tennis Memory: “Playing with my dad (Estanislao). I was seven years old.”
Hobbies/Leisure Activities: “I like to hang out with my friends, at home with my dogs (Goran, Guga, Nicole), with my family. I’m very close with my family, so all the time at home I spend time with them.”
Favorite Movies: “Good Will Hunting, Pearl Harbor.”
Last Book Read: “Paulo Coehlo’s new book, I’m reading it now.”
Musical Tastes: “Spanish music, Shakira, Ricky Martin, Alejandro Sans.”
Favorite Meal: “Like meat with a bread, Argentine barbecue.”
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: “Vanilla.”
Pre-Match Feeling: “Thinking about match and talking with my brother.”
Current Car: “Volkswagen Golf (black).”
Greatest Sports Moment: “When I beat Navratilova (’04) at Roland Garros.”
Most Painful Moment: “Painful moment…when I had like 10 first rounds lost. Two years ago.”
Favorite Tournament: “Acapulco. (Why?) Becuase it’s a great venue, it’s on the beach, great weather and the matches start so late. And you can really do many things there.”
Closest Tennis Friends: “Flavia Pennetta from Italy and (Maria Elena) Camerin from Italy as well.”
Funniest Players: “Roddick. (Why?) I like his, I don’t know, way to express on the court.”
Toughest Competitors: “Williams [laughs].”
Which Match Were You At Your Very Best: “When I won my tournament in Budapest two years ago (defeated Sorana Cirstea).”
Last Vacation: “You kill me with this one…I’m trying to remember last year. No, but it was not the best. The best vacation was in Tahiti.”
Favorite Players To Watch: “Federer, Nadal, Sampras, Safin. (Women?) I like to watch Sharapova.”
Funny Tennis Memory: “My God, so many questions! Wait. Funny memory…let me think. I can’t think of one. (How about any from fans, do they ever say something funny?) They ask me to marry [smiles]. (Where?) A few times.”
People Qualities Most Admired: “Honest. Funny.”
Interview from TW
