Proximus Diamond Games

Amelie Mauresmo took the title in Antwerp, but stays modest. 'I could have lost as well today, I just tried my very best', the French said.

Amelie Mauresmo. (picture photonews)

"Whether I spoilt the party over here? I certainly didn't spoil mine", Mauresmo answered. "The home audience of course hoped for a victory by Kim, which is understandable."

"I had a difficult start, because Clijsters started furiously, it wasn't easy to slow her down. But I kept my cool and after my rebreak in the second set - the key moment of this final - my confidence grew and I got a better feeling. In the third set I noticed that Kim had some physical difficulties", the French analysed her match.

"After the Australian Open and Paris this is my third consecutive title. I can't do any better, but I wouldn't think about it too much. The fact that I can become the world's number one in Dubai (should she make it to the final, ed) is hardly a worry. I just try and win each match."

As she has won the Proximus Diamond Games for a second time in a row, Mauresmo is only one victory away from the diamond racket. "A beautiful trophy that a lot of the players talk about. Quite logically, I would now like to win the tournament for a third time. It is absolute magic to hold that racket, however short that moment. And you don't want to drop it", the sympathetic French player smiled.

A tired Kim Clijsters had no trouble in accepting the fact that Mauresmo's victory was well-deserved. Kim didn't feel fresh any more after a long week.

Kim Clijsters (photo photonews)

"I started the match very well and even took a break ahead at the start of the second match but from then on Amélie started playing better and making less mistakes. She constantly put a lot pf pressure onto me. Nevertheless, I have enjoyed this week, even though it has claimed its toll today as my preparation was far from ideal. I think it was the audience who has shouted me towards the final."

"Mauresmo clearly is in good shape. She is very considerate in building her rallies, but you won't see her play a lot of winners. Since the end of last year she has become a lot stronger mentally. I believe she has earned the victory. It is frustrating sometimes to know what you are capable of, but not able to do for the time being."

"I look forward to go back home again and have some rest first. After that I'll be cleaning a bit and taking care of my dogs! Of course, I'll keep on taking care of my ankle by visiting my physiotherapist. I hope to be able to plan my training much better now. In March, I'll be playing Indian Wells and Miami. I try to stick to the same schedule as the years before."

At the one but last of the Proximus Diamond Games, organising director Bob Verbeeck looks back satisfied. And looks into the (distant) future.

Bob Verbeeck (picture reporters)

"It is good for this tournament that defending champion Mauresmo plays the final again, I think she might win again", judged Verbeeck. "One could hardly have a better situation where the four top seeds reach the semi finals."

Not only are the Proximus Diamond Games prospering on the sportive level, the organisation is running very smoothly as well. "This edition is going easy and smoothly. Every year we learn as a team, but in retrospect I can already look back upon a succesful fifth edition."

"Now we want to grow further. A first step would be to move onto the Tier I status from 2009 onwards. And in the long term, we cherish the ambition to hold a combined tournament, for both men and women. It won't be easy to organize, but that is where the future lies", the organising director judges.

"That ambition seems no problem when the logistics are concerned. With the Sportpaleis, the new Antwerp top sport venue and the courts at Schijnpoort we have enough space to accomodate everyone. Financially, it should be feasible as well. The higher your level, the easier it is to find funds. Sponsors like to be associated with top events", Verbeeck concludes.