Tennis: Mauresmo's Classic Vintage

'I was almost thinking there was no point in going to Wimbledon.' So says reigning champion Amelie Mauresmo about her mental state days before the tournament started last year, when she had crashed out of Eastbourne after one match. Proof positive that thinking too much could land you in a whole lot of trouble. But thinking too much was always regarded - until July last year, at least, when she beat Justine Henin- Hardenne in three sets - as Mauresmo's main opponent on the court.

Two grand-slam titles and a Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Championship to her name have not stopped some commentators continuing to question the Frenchwoman's mental strength. Mauresmo, while being endlessly polite, refuses to analyze it any further. 'I ended that debate at the Championship at Los Angeles in 2005. That was the moment I proved to myself that I have what it takes to win the big titles. I think the media have taken a while to get that, but for me it was almost like my first slam. For sure, the mental side is important, but so is fitness, preparation and finding your rhythm for each surface. You just hope that they all come together at one time.'

It must help that at Wimbledon there is less media pressure on her than at her home tournament? 'Well, you're here,' she says with mock disdain. 'Seriously, though, yes, there is usually less attention in London. I don't feel the weight of other people's expectations so much, but mine are high because I want the title again. Once you have tasted the emotions and the adrenalin of a big win it makes you want more. But, you know, every tournament you start with a white page and write everything anew.'

What was the response in France when she won Wimbledon? 'They were happy, but I was unfortunate that France lost the World Cup the day after. The media didn't present my win as maybe they should have.' She stops herself. 'But then, maybe I was lucky really.'

We meet at the rented house in SW19 to which she has returned this year and the softly spoken Frenchwoman, seeded fourth this year, converses in almost flawless English, punctuated by frequent laughter. And, just as she did last year, Mauresmo has prepared for Wimbledon by practicing on the only grass court in Paris - at the British Embassy - after departing the French Open.

Is she superstitious? 'No, no, not at all. I'm happy to change things, but where you have good feelings about something you keep them.' Her early exit from the French this year was hardly unexpected, as Mauresmo had her appendix removed in March. Then came a thigh-muscle tear on the clay, which might have prevented her appearance at Eastbourne. But last Monday she received the all-clear and yesterday lost a close International Women's Open final to Henin 7-5 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-2).

Mauresmo, whose twenty-eighth birthday falls next week, had always thought Wimbledon would be her first grand slam, but that came at the 2006 Australian Open, when Henin-Hardenne retired when trailing 6-1 2-0.

She has already visited the All England Club to see her name on the champions' roll of honour. 'It brought back great memories of last year - the final moments of the final are still in my head. I felt very happy to be back, it means a lot to me.' How will she feel when she starts her defence against American Jamea Jackson? 'I will be very proud and enjoy the experience very much.'

Despite being quick, athletic and having a powerful serve, the Parisian was not always comfortable on grass. 'When I started my career I didn't serve and volley,' she says. 'But at Wimbledon in 2002, when I reached the semi-finals, I started to see how I could come in and win points at the net. It now feels natural and I like the variation it gives to my game. When I am behind I can make the aggressive shots.'

She believes her main rivals for the Wimbledon crown will be Henin - now seemingly reborn after marital separation and familial rapprochement - and the Williams sisters.

While Mauresmo bats off suggestions that more titles might have come her way previously if her mental game had been stronger, winning Wimbledon has certainly made her rethink her priorities. She has stopped skiing and riding (until she retires, at least), and now rides her motorcycle more slowly. 'I am trying to slow down a bit, yes. As you get a little older you realize things can go every fast. If I hurt myself skiing, that could be a season gone.'

After last year's win, Mauresmo, a connoisseur of wine, treated herself to a £4,000 bottle of 1921 Chateau d'Yquem, to add to the cellar at her home in Geneva. She has long been a vocal supporter of equal prize money - 'It is only right'- and this year both singles champions will pick up £700,000. She must be hoping, then. that a 1947 Petrus (worth about £8,000) is on the market.