PARIS (AP) -- Sidelined the past two years by a foot injury, Monica
Seles still hopes to make a comeback.

Seles' most recent match was in the 2003 French Open, but she said
Thursday she wants to wait on retirement.

"I'm still keeping all options open," the nine-time Grand Slam
champion said in a conference call from her home in Florida. "But I
have a level I want to play at if I return competitively."

Seles said pain persists in her left foot following a stress
fracture, making it impossible to practice more than twice a week.
One week the foot will feel fine, but the next week could
bring "terrible pain," she said.

"It's just not holding up," Seles said. "Slowly, slowly I keep
playing better and better."

After the injury, she wore a cast for months to help the foot heal
and couldn't walk without crutches for another few months. During
that time, she said, she thought about retirement a lot.

"Once I retire, I want to retire for good," Seles said. "I'll know it
in my heart. ... I really hope my body is going to let me play -- in
any shape or form. It doesn't have to be professionally."

If she can't come back, tennis will lose one of its best players and
a fan favorite. Seles' engaging personality and giggle are as well-
known as her two-handed strokes from both sides and the accompanying
two-note grunts.

For now, Seles is focusing on helping young players. She will be the
guest of honor at the Rogers Cup in Toronto this August to inaugurate
the women's tournament.

"In terms of tennis, for me, it's more about giving back," Seles
said. "That's kind of my ultimate goal in terms of tennis."