Mauresmo a Hit with Kids in Dubai

French star Amelie Mauresmo received a warm welcome from hundreds of Dubai school children on Sunday, when she made a special visit to the Dubai British School that educates pupils aged three to 18 year-olds in the Meadows.

After a brief introduction from the school’s principal, Val Thomas-Peter, the former world number one talked about her early life and gave the teenaged audience an opportunity to ask questions about her life as a professional player.

“I’m delighted to see the school has tennis courts, as I didn’t at my school and my parents didn’t play themselves,” said Mauresmo. “I enjoyed maths and always attended school, where I made many good friends.

“I am very fortunate that I’m living a dream by playing tennis professionally. I guess tennis chose me, as I became inspired to play after watching Roland Garros when I was four or five.

“In my mind it was always so clear that tennis would be my life. A doubt never entered my mind to turn professional, but the key for everyone is to have a passion and try to do your best in whatever you do.”

Mauresmo is appearing at the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships for the fifth time in her career, having captured the 2002 title with victory over French compatriot Sandrine Testud. Last year she finished runner-up to Justine Henin.

“I really enjoy coming back to Dubai as it has its own atmosphere and the people look after you,” said the former Wimbledon and Australian Open winner.

“I haven’t had the best of starts to the 2008 season, but I’m sure I can re-build my confidence and improve throughout the year.”

The 28-year-old is unseeded at the $1.5 million event and will meet a qualifier in the first round.

Four-time winner Henin leads a strong women’s field at the 2008 Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships, which includes seven of the world’s Top 10 on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour.

Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, the owners and organizers of the award-winning event, said: “It’s wonderful to see Amelie competing in Dubai once again and we always love having her with us.”

“Amelie’s personality and love for the game is infectious and we hope the time spent with the children has helped to inspire them to achieve in whatever they choose to do in life.”