Capriati's amazing comeback continues

13 April 2012

Jennifer Capriati was crowned the French Open champion after her quite astonishing story took another sensational twist.  

Capriati became the queen of Roland Garros by defeating Belgium's Kim Clijsters 1-6 6-4 12-10 in a match of unbearable tension and drama.

She then received the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen Trophy from the world's fastest man Maurice Greene.

Capriati admitted: "I'm just waiting to wake up from the dream, it doesn't seem like reality right now.

"When I came here as a 14-year-old 11 years ago I never thought I'd be here now winning the final.

"I have to thank my family for everything they have done for me. Without them I wouldn't be here. I love them so much."

The words were poignant and heartfelt because it was her family who pulled back Capriati from the brink when she was in the midst of a teenage rebellion which saw her involved with drugs, on shoplifting charges and even contemplating suicide.

She left the game for more than two years for rehabilitation and even when she returned it seemed that her weight and emotional problems would deny her fulfilling the champion potential she had displayed as a youngster.

It says much for her rejuvenation and the humility she has shown as her game has been reborn these past two years that in her moment of triumph she was thinking of others.

"I want to dedicate this victory to Corina," she said, referring to American star Corina Morariu who is battling against cancer.

"I want to wish her the best and everybody pray for her recovery."

It was appropriate also that she should congratulate her opponent - the feisty, precocious Clijsters, who celebrated her 18th birthday on Friday and came so close to giving Belgium its first Grand Slam champion.

Clijsters later predicted that Capriati could go on to win a full set of Grand Slams this year, a feat which was last achieved by Steffi Graf back in 1988.

"If she doesn't get injured she can overpower her opponents on those surfaces. She stays aggressive and has so much confidence.

"I was surprised how high the level was after so long. We still had unbelievable rallies and we both kept fighting to the end.

"Of course, it's heartbreaking. I gave everything I had. I can't blame myself but one of us had to lose and it was me today. "

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