Hi, Mary.
Hi, Small Talk.
You’re working with Eurosport as a pundit for the US Open. Do you think this is the time for Serena Williams to break Steffi Graf’s record?
That’s the magic question, isn’t it, that we’re all wondering. It’s a difficult one to answer, because we’ve seen some surprising losses for Serena. Most of the time, we expect her to win because she’s just such a ferocious fighter, she wants it so bad, almost more than anybody else.
I think this US Open is really important for Serena, because playing your home grand slam is much more special and important than any other. I know whenever I played the French Open it was that extra special, but there’s that much more pressure as well, because the whole country is watching.
That aside, who’s going to stand in her way?
Angelique Kerber or Garbiñe Muguruza – they are able to beat Serena when they play well. I believe it’s going to be very exciting, the energy’s going be really electric because it is open, we’re going to see how she handles it. Serena’s not a robot, she’s a human being and you can’t be perfect every single day.
If Serena is dialled in, determined, healthy, she’s unstoppable. It would be great personally to see her do it at the US Open,but if she didn’t, it would be another blow and those are hard for her, you know. So it’ll be very interesting.
Indeed it will. You mentioned the Rio Olympics, which you flew out for. Any particular highlights?
[laughs] Well, a lot happened in Rio! From the tennis, or generally?
How about one of each?
Let’s see… gosh, there was so much that happened there. I was so happy for Andy Murray to win back-to-back gold medals, and Juan Martin del Potro is the most touching and inspiring story. Fourteen months ago he was in his hospital bed after his third surgery. To see where he is today, that was really special.
Then there’s Monica Puig coming out of nowhere, winning the women’s gold. For me, these are the kind of inspiring stories that we need. Puig was so determined, wanting gold from day one, you could just see she was on a mission. I think those are really special stories.
What did you enjoy away from the tennis?
This was my first time at an Olympics not competing. I played in three, and I loved it every single time, it’s just such a special experience. This time was different ... it was one of those very rare moments of my life when I could just be a fan. I got to see Michael Phelps swim three times and win three golds, I saw Usain Bolt win the 100m. I went to see Christ the Redeemer too, so it was bucket list stuff for me.
It does sound pretty good. Back to the US Open: do you think it’s between Murray and Djokovic for the men’s title?
[pauses] Yes. Yes, I do. I read on the internet that I had said Andy Murray was the best tennis player in the world, but I said he’s the best right now. It’s a big, big difference. Right now, Andy for me is in the best form. Roger [Federer] is not going to be there, Rafa [Nadal] is having problems with his wrist, and wasn’t at the top of his game in Rio. Novak hasn’t been looking good since Wimbledon. I don’t know really what’s going on with him, he hasn’t looked the same. Andy is solid, he’s consistent, he’s staying the course, and right now, in my opinion, he’s the top player.
The US Open was the first grand slam to pay men and women the same prize money. What’s your view on equal pay in tennis?
That’s a good question, I dealt with that issue a lot when I was playing. As far as entertainment value, you can look at it different ways. You can say men play five sets, we play three – but should we get paid per hour, or because we’re top players, selling tickets and bringing up TV ratings?
At the end of the day, we’re doing something that we love, but we bring a lot of fun and happiness to people. I think men and women bring equal entertainment value, so I’m for equal prize money.
You’ll be working with Greg Rudedski during the US Open. Is Greg always that happy? Do you ever catch him on a bad day?
As far as I know, he’s always happy. Every time I’ve seen him on tour, he’s always polite, always has that big smile.
Lovely. Just a couple more questions Mary. Firstly, you have Canadian, French and US nationality, so where’s home for you?
[laughs] Home is where the heart is, isn’t that what they say? I have a place in Florida, and I moved to Mauritius in 2008, so I live there and spend time in Florida. I travel quite a lot, so when I’m in all places I feel at home.
Sometimes I wish I was just born and raised in one place, and feel like I’m just one nationality. But it’s really special to feel at home in America, in France, in Mauritius. I was only born in Canada and a year later we left, so I don’t really feel Canadian.
And you always had support at Roland Garros, from French fans.
Yeah, throughout my career. I’m French at heart, at the Olympics I cheered for the French teams in different sports, and went to watch my friends in the basketball teams play.
Is there a particular city in the world that you’d call your favourite?
I love everywhere I go, because I think everywhere has something special to see, to know and to discover. I don’t know … I like everywhere I go, they’re all different.
Not one in particular?
Not yet!
Fair enough. Now – who would you pick as a partner in a dream mixed doubles match, and who would you want to play?
Wow, that’s really tough. [thinks] Oh my gosh, there’s so many people... [thinks some more] I’d probably want to play with Roger Federer, just because I think he’s the best player in the history of the game, and I could learn so much from playing with him.
Good choice. And how about your opponents?
I always wanted to play against Chris Evert, because she was my idol, the one player that I loved, and I never got to play against her. Who would be the other male player? I’d say John McEnroe, just for fun! [laughs].
That would be interesting. What was the last album you listened to?
Well, I’m a Christian so I love Christian music. I don’t really listen to albums, but I like Don Moen. He’s one of my favourites.
And is there an app on your phone you couldn’t live without?
I think everybody would say Google, because it’s like our best friend. Anything you need, it’s there.
Do you prefer cheese or chocolate?
Chocolate! No question. Dark chocolate, with nuts in.
And finally … who would win in a fight between Batman and Superman?
[laughs] This would be a question for my brother, he loves that stuff, and I’m not into all that. I’d hope Superman would win, because he’s a super man, right?! He’s got the super powers.
Small Talk agrees. Thanks for your time, Mary and enjoy the US Open.
Wonderful, thank you so much. Take care.
Bye Mary.
Mary Pierce will be a pundit for the US Open on Eurosport. Watch the US Open live and exclusive on Eurosport and Eurosport Player from 29 August to 11 September.
