Tennis: Injury-free Pierce still a force

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Mary Pierce a spent force? No way.

Out of big-time tennis since injury cut her year short in August - beaten in the first round of the US Open for the first time in 10 appearances - Pierce eased herself back with a doubles win on the opening day of the ASB Classic.

Yesterday she stepped up another gear and produced more of the magic which has seen her ranked No 3 on the WTA circuit three times since she turned professional in 1989.

Faced by German No 4 Angelika Roesch, who has a world ranking of 81 - 29 lower than her French opponent - Pierce brought, if not her full bag of tricks to the ASB Tennis Centre, then at least a fair share of them.

In front of a large crowd, reminiscent of those who flocked to watch Anna Kournikova a year ago, Pierce showed she means business.

After breaking Roesch in the fourth and sixth games, the tie had an air of inevitability. Not for long.

Roesch held the next game for 3-5 and broke Pierce, who mixed an ace with a double fault, for 4-5. But that effort told, Pierce returned the compliment in the next to take the set in a little under 40 minutes.

Showing a refreshing attitude, no histrionics but lots of smiles, Pierce was relentless.

Some shots came off. Others did not. No matter. Turn, smile and do it again.

And, just to remind her 25-year-old opponent of just how good she can be, Pierce unleashed some fearsome crosscourt backhands, pinpoint smashes and volleys.

But, capitalising on opportunities that came her way, Roesch did have her moments.

She broke Pierce in the third and fifth games of the second set for 3-2, held serve for 4-2, but then fell behind 4-5, levelled at 5-5 before bowing out 5-7 when broken to love in the 12th game.

Pierce, happy enough to get the season under way in style, said it was a good workout against a player she thought had played really well.

"I'm happy where I'm at," 27-year-old Pierce said.

"I feel really happy about my game. I got a little frustrated at times with the sun, but as the game went on, I was able to pick up the pace and intensity."

Of her seemingly happy-go-lucky attitude on court, Pierce said: "I like to have fun - in whatever I do. I like to enjoy every day."

That enjoyment might come under pressure today, however, when she plays doubles partner and tournament fifth seed Paola Suarez during the day and joins her new-found Argentine mate in an evening doubles tie against Russians Alina Hopkins and Tatiana Panova.

"She [Suarez] is a sweet girl and a great player."

And the one who put her out in the first round at Flushing Meadows - her last match before turning up in Auckland.