THE retirement question is a part of life for Monica Seles these
days - but she doesn't need any help in answering it.

With the same dogged stubbornness that ended Steffi Graf's record 186-
week reign at No.1 in March 1991, Seles will call time only when the
time is right for her.

The holder of nine Grand Slam singles titles, Seles became the
youngest French Open women's champion in 1990 at 16 years and six
months, Graf her victim.

Seles, now 31, hasn't played a match since the 2003 French Open,
where she lost in the first round to Nadia Petrova -- her worst
result on the Roland Garros clay in 11 appearances.

A stress fracture in her left foot had become unbearable to practise
and play with. It was time for surgery and a year off to ensure the
limb mended properly. Her foot has been in and out of a plaster cast
twice.

"The last month and a half have been my first pain free," Seles said
yesterday.

"I've been getting those (retirement queries) the last year of my
life.

"Look, either way I'll be happy -- I've had a great career if I have
to retire.

"I know I'm going to play tennis as long as my body allows me,
whether recreationally or professionally."

Seles has much affection for the Australian Open, having won it four
times in 1991-93 and in 1996, which was her first Grand Slam win
after a crazed fan stabbed her at a tournament in Hamburg in April
1993.

Seles was trying to be fit for the Australian Open but says a series
of exhibition matches with Martina Navratilova in New Zealand in
March is a more likely comeback option.