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Take five

By KEITH NIEBUHR
Published June 25, 2006

Thanks in large part to her impressive - and relatively surprising - semifinal run at the French Open, 17-year-old Czech standout Nicole Vaidisova has become one of the sport's most talked about players. Many observers are predicting another strong appearance at Wimbledon, where her power game is expected to thrive. Vaidisova, who lives part of the year in Bradenton, recently answered a few questions from Times staff writer Keith Niebuhr via e-mail.

How much confidence do you have after your effort at the French?

Paris was great. Two very big wins and I made a big improvement to get into my first Grand Slam semifinal. I look forward to the grass.

Not sure I learned anything new about myself. I think I know myself pretty well. I can walk away from that tournament with more experience. Being such a young player on tour, the big matches are where I do not have as much experience as the top-five girls.

I think overall I competed very well in Paris. Every point, every match. I was satisfied with that.

I think it can translate to every surface.

I am not sure. I am trying very hard to get the optimal preparation and go to Wimbledon feeling 100 percent. Every tournament is different so we will see.

[Last modified June 25, 2006, 03:38:36]