2B
Tuesday, November 8, 1994
UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Capriati is ready to backhand her past
The Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA — A relaxed but unsmiling Jennifer Capriati returned quietly to a tournament practice court yesterday, concentrating more on her forehand than on the people watching her.
Capriati has a first-round match at 7 p.m. tomorrow against No. 6 seed Anke Huber. It is her first appearance under coach Jose Higueras and in professional tennis since leaving the game and battling a host of personal problems, including drug addiction.
"I wouldn't say I'm in tip-top shape, but I feel good enough to break the ice," Capriati said in a five-paragraph statement. "I'm not even thinking about winning or losing. Who the opponent is doesn't really matter. I just want to have fun out there."
But yesterday Capriol looked like she wanted to play again. She returned serves with powerful forehands for more than 30 minutes without a break, stopping only occasionally to wipe her forehead.
Capriati fought her way into the pros at age 13 before leaving the game, citing burnout and injuries. A year ago she was arrested for shoplifting and was charged last May with marrijuana possession at a hotel in Coral Gables, Fla.
She said she began practicing seriously in
August and had intended to return last month before pulling a muscle.
"I in regards to after this tournament and next year, I don't know," she said. "I'm just going to take things day by day."
Her colleagues welcomed her return.
"I think it's great, she's always been great for tennis," said Amanda Coetzer of South Africa, a 6-1, 6-3 loser to Mellen Tu in the first round yesterday. "She's been pretty responsible, from what we hear on the courts, the last few months. She's a fighter."
Capriati's problems set off a debate on the wisdom of allowing players just entering their
teens to join the pro tennis tour. Tu, 16, said it would be a mistake to close the ranks to such youngsters.
"There's a lot of mature 14-year-olds out there." Tu said. "If you're independent, you look at things a different way and not let what people say bother you. People can be really cruel, especially when you lose."
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Capiatri has a tough opponent in Huber. The 19-year-old defeated Matriva Navratilova and Mary Pierce last month on her way to winning the Poreche Grand Prix in Germany.
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Capriati could face top seeded Conchita Martinez in the quarter finals.
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