THE SCOOP, ROLAND GARROS DAY 11

"Leave It To Beaver" life for Capriatis

By Matthew Cronin
tennisreporters.net

Susan Mullane Camerawork USA, Inc.

The Capriati family celebration after Jennifer's 6-4, 6-3 thumping of Martina Hingis in the semis was straight out of "Leave It to Beaver," which is more than strange twist for a family who for a while appeared to be as dysfunctional as the Partridge family after Shirley discovered that son and drummer Chris had transformed from a curly brunette into a mop-haired blonde.

There was mother Denise, glowingly giving a lecture on the importance of believing in yourself. There was father Stefano, talking about Jenny' strength of character. There was brother Stephen, recounting how hard his sister worked on her fitness.

"Jennifer's so much happier than before," Denise told tennisreporters.net. "So much has happened to us. But I always believed it would change. It proves that if you believe in yourself, dreams can come true."

Stephen, Jennifer's younger brother and hitting partner when he's not playing No. 1 for the University of Arizona, added, "She's always had the talent and that doesn't go away. It was a matter of her deciding that she was willing to do whatever it takes to be successful. Once she decided that, I knew that she'd eventually come through. And she deserves it because she's fought so hard to get here. Not everybody can go all the way to the bottom and come back out on top again. But my sister did and I'm really happy for her."

Stefano was so happy after the win that he hugged and kissed everyone around him, including Denise, who he is divorced from. All of the Capriatis remember Jennifer's lean years after she burned out in '94 and went AWOL for nearly four years.

"It's really nice to be here with her," Stephen said. "I watched her get in shape and slowly start getting some big wins. Once she got fit, she could get to a lot of balls and not have to try to hit winners from out of position. Now she plays great defensive tennis."

It is pretty amazing how far Jennifer has come – from a hazy mug shot in the Florida police blotter to model-esque photos on the front pages of Paris' fashionable dailies. Denise has stood behind her daughter, who she now says is an amazing woman.

"She has strength, honor, courage and integrity." Denise said. "She has so much more self-confidence and determination. She's an inspiration to us all – not just tennis players. And she's humble. Don't we all need to be more humble?"