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 2003
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In 2003, Amélie does not compete until the Open Gaz de France, where she reaches the final. “I am very happy. Only a few months ago I wasn’t sure if I would be able to pursue my career, so I really can’t complain.”
She dominates in Warsaw and Philadelphia, and reaches the finals in four tournaments, including the Masters in Los Angeles, where she beats Justine Henin, losing only in the final to Kim Clijsters. The year 2003 is also the year Amélie beats the odds by dominating both Williams’ sisters. A rib injury will force her to forfeit Wimbledon and at the French and US Opens, she reaches the quarter-finals. That same year, Amélie wins eight singles Fed Cup matches and is a key player in the French win over the United States. “The Fed Cup victory was fantastic. It was a wonderful moment that I shared with a team that really gave it their all; the players, the captain, the staff, but also the fans who have always been there to support us.”
2004
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The year 2004 is an unforgettable one for Amélie. Not only does she win five titles, but she also becomes the first French women’s tennis player to become World No.1, the day after the US Open where Elena Dementieva, who had also beaten her at the French Open, defeated her. It is the crowning glory of Amélie’s career.
Amélie remains at No.1 for five weeks.
“When I found out I was No.1, I just put my head in my hands and cried. It was fabulous; the moment I had been waiting for. It had been on my mind for years and I had worked so hard to get there. It was my reward for all those years of hard work, for all those doubts I had always had. I was so proud!”
A few weeks earlier, Amélie earned an Olympic Silver Medal for France, losing to Justin Henin who was at the top of her game. “It was a very emotional moment. Not like becoming No.1, because I hadn’t won the Gold Medal, but it was still very emotional. I really would have liked to have heard the Marseillaise.
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A semi-finalist in Los Angeles (defeated by Serena Williams), Amélie decides to skip the Fed Cup to rest and prepare for her upcoming season.” It is not a decision that I took lightly. I thought about it a lot and I want to do everything that I can to win a Grand Slam title. It is the only goal I haven’t reached and I need try to better my odds of winning, even if that means making a few sacrifices…”
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