Through It All, Pierce Wins : She Continues to Play Well, Even With Distractions

For 18-year-old Mary Pierce, the question is not about how she is able to win tennis matches--not with solid, powerful strokes like hers.

The question is how is she even able to hit the ball on the court?

Pierce, whose controversial father has been banned by tennis authorities from seeing her play, advanced to the round of 16 at the Virginia Slims of Los Angeles on Wednesday with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Liz Smylie.

Jim Pierce was barred from tennis events by the Women’s Tennis Council after being ejected from the French Open because of unruly behavior during one of his daughter’s matches. Mary Pierce and her mother got a restraining order two weeks ago in San Diego to keep Pierce, 56, at a distance.

Last month, Pierce said he was stabbed by a male friend of his daughter’s during a fight outside her hotel room in Italy.

Mary Pierce, ranked No. 19, said she feels like she is playing well, despite the distractions.

“It’s been pretty hard,” Pierce said. “I can’t say that it’s been easy. When I walk on the court, I try to forget about everything. Some days, I don’t do that very well.”

“I guess she is a tough girl,” said Angel Gimenez, Pierce’s coach, who used to work with Gabriela Sabatini. “She just needs some direction now.”

Pierce is traveling with her mother and brother. Jim Pierce is at home in Delray Beach, Fla. Reached by telephone Wednesday, he had a brief comment: “I am in exile.”