INTERVIEWS

Round 1: Defeated M. Martelli.....6-3, 6-2

Q : You had a difficult start in the clay season. Why?
A : It was not difficult. My goal is the French Open. I had a few health problems at the beginning of the season but they’re over now.

Q : You seem to be winning on hardcourts and losing ground in clay court tournaments. Is there any relation between the two things?
A : No, you just have to play a different game. As I said before I had some problems but I’m looking forward to playing better and I hope to be physically fit.

Q : I’m asking a similar question. Ivan Lendl started losing patience on clay and improved his game on faster courts. Is that a possible reason for you too because you don’t want to play long rallies?
A : I don’t think it’s a question of patience. I had physical problems and couldn’t practice nor run as I used to do before. Now I’m feeling better each day.

Q : Judging from the previous clay tournaments who do you think could be the most difficult opponent at the French Open?
A : It’s difficult to say because every week there was a different winner. Everybody can win.

Q : Was Medvedev’s win in Hamburg a big surprise to you?
A : I think he likes it there very much. The court is heavy and as he practiced a lot in Siberia when he was young, he must be used to those conditions. I’m happy because he was able to win again after two years of suffering. I was with him and talked to him when he had problems.

Q : You seem to be the leader of the European revolution against the power of the US within the ATP. Do you devote much time to this role?
A : No. The whole question is wrong. I’m not a leader, this is not a revolution against the US and I don’t waste much time on that. European players want to be stronger. This is not just something I want. I don’t want to be a politician in the ATP. It would be hopeless.

Q : Why?
A : It’s a stupid question.

Q : Are you afraid?
A : No, I’m not worried.