Seles drops hints on her future

By Sarah Holt
BBC Sport at Wimbledon

Seles has considered quitting but has yet to official retire

Monica Seles shed some light on her competitive career in a surprise appearance at a rain-hit Wimbledon.

The 31-year-old, who has won nine Grand Slams, has not played on the circuit since June 2003 because of a foot injury but has yet to formally retire.

"My life is definitely in tennis," Seles said in an adhoc interview on Centre Court. "I'm still playing.

"I'm trying to give stuff back coaching kids in America and Canada but I'm also studying a little bit of architecture."

Seles has won all the major titles except Wimbledon, although she reached the final in 1992 before losing to Steffi Graf.

The 31-year-old was back at the All England Club on a one-day visit to do promotional work with American Express.

But Seles confirmed it was good to be back at SW19, despite the rain.

As you know, I was one of the original grunters Monica Seles

"I always love coming but sadly I never won here," said Seles.

"It was always my favourite. There's no atmosphere like walking out here on Centre Court - I miss this the most."

While Seles' dominant, powerful play was amongst the finest ever seen in women's tennis, she remains just as famous for her on-court grunting.

That topic has been brought back into the spotlight by reigning champion Maria Sharapova and referee Alan Mills' claims that all the on-court exclamations are spoiling the game.

"As you know, I was one of the original grunters," smiled Seles.

"But Jimmy Connors used to grunt way before I was born. I never knew I was grunting, it was just part of my strokes.

"I always grunted much more when the going got tough and I can see that in the girls now.

"I don't think Maria is grunting now more than she used to. The maturity she is showing is really very impressive."