SportsLine.com recently spoke with Maria. Here is what she had to say:

SportsLine: Have any of the veteran players on tour helped you out with your game or helped you adjust to life on tour?

Maria-Emilia Salerni: Martina Hingis has really been a big inspiration for me. Earlier this Spring, Martina's mom offered me the opportunity to come to Switzerland and practice with her. She is a great coach who knows a lot about the game and being a top athlete. After I spent a few days working with Martina's mom, I got to practice with Martina. She is an incredible person besides being the best in the world. Every tennis player who is fortunate enough to do well as a junior knows about dedication, hard work, nutrition, strength, rest and concentration. Martina just takes it all to a different level. She is really special.

SportsLine: What do you think you need to do to take your game to the next level?

Maria-Emilia Salerni: I think this year was crucial for me because I got to know my competition. These women are experienced, strong, quick and just so good in general. Above all, I need to have confidence in myself and make the necessary adjustments from being top of the junior class to working my way up in the pros from the bottom like anyone else.

SportsLine: How do you compare yourself to some of the other ladies your age?

Maria-Emilia Salerni: I try not to compare myself to players by age so much. People develop differently and even though I am aware that there are players my age who are higher up in the rankings, I pace myself the way I believe is best for me.

SportsLine: What are your goals for the remainder of the year?

Maria-Emilia Salerni: It may sound cliché, but my goal for this year is to do my best, learn as much as possible and fully adjust to my new status as a professional player. I really want to break into the top 100 but more importantly, I need to feel secure in this new phase of my career.

SportsLine: What has been your high point on tour so far?

Maria-Emilia Salerni: It was amazing to play Kim Clijsters at the French Open on Court 1. She is a great player and Roland Garros is the Mecca of clay court tennis.

SportsLine: After having so much success as a junior, do you find it discouraging that you have yet to make an impact as a professional? If so, what do you do to overcome that?

Maria-Emilia Salerni: The hardest thing about turning pro after having been No. 1 in the juniors is that you're not used to losing. That takes adjusting and it's not that much fun. In a way, though, it's good to regain your modesty so quickly and realize that no matter what people expect, it's your life and your game.

SportsLine: What are the most significant adjustments you've made, mentally and physically, since you jumped from the Juniors?

Maria-Emilia Salerni: In the juniors you may have several chances to win a match and in the pros you only get one. You just can't afford to make mistakes because so few are made. Also, speed is very important on the court.

SportsLine: What is the strongest part of your game at this point and what do you need to improve the most?

Maria-Emilia Salerni: My strengths are my serve and return. I need to work on everything but specifically speed and footwork.

SportsLine: What do you enjoy most about being a tennis player?

Maria-Emilia Salerni: The competition and the fact that I can actually make a career out of a sport that I love.

SportsLine: Are there any players that you still look up to?

Maria-Emilia Salerni: I look up to so many players ... Gabriela Sabatini for what she did for women's tennis in our country; Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova for taking the game to the next level; Martina Hingis for her work ethic and skill; Mary Pierce for her strength; Steffi Graf for her incredible athleticism. Actually, there are few women on this tour that I don't admire.

SportsLine: What are your biggest career goals?

Maria-Emilia Salerni: Being the best I possibly can.

SportsLine: Are there still players or situations that intimidate you for any reason?

Maria-Emilia Salerni: Yes and no. I feel so modest around so much great talent. Once I'm on the court though, there are no feelings of intimidation. There is a task at hand and it needs all my concentration.

SportsLine: What were some of the difficult sacrifices you had to make because of the demands of training and travel?

Maria-Emilia Salerni: People always talk about sacrifices when it comes to tennis players. I don't see it that way at all. I am sure we all have sacrifices. I was given this opportunity. To me it feels lucky and completely positive. I have close friends both at home and on the tour -- I travel all over the world -- my work is what I love. I miss my family but when I see them, it's the best.

SportsLine: What would you like to pursue after you retire?

Maria-Emilia Salerni: I would love to work with kids and my intention is to use my sport to make a significant contribution to society. I think in tennis today we need to think about getting back to the true essence of sport.

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