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August 29, 2002
US Open Second Round
By ASAP Sports
R. FEDERER/M. Chang
6-3, 6-1, 6-3
An interview with: ROGER FEDERER
MODERATOR: Questions for Roger.
Q. You really showed your full arsenal tonight, brought out
everything. Do you think you played a lot better than your first-round
match?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, it's a different match. You know, the
first one was very little confidence, different opponent. You know,
against Michael, you always get into the rally because his second serve
is not very good, so you can kind of put it into play, you know, quite
easy. For me, obviously it's quite convenient because either I can chip
and charge sometimes on big points or I can just play deep and then get
into the point, you know. From the baseline with him I feel like he
can't really hit a winner against me, I can always run them down. I
don't put too much pressure on myself to hit the winner right away. I
know even if he attacks me, it's not so, so dangerous maybe like
somebody else. But, yeah, I'm happy the way it went today. Very good
one and a half sets, two sets. For a while, it was very, very good.
Q. Confidence rising?
ROGER FEDERER: Yes, definitely. Also, I mean, I hit some really
good shots today which helps, makes me feel good, you know, when I hit
some good shots.
Q. New feeling after a while?
ROGER FEDERER: Yeah. I mean, it was a pity in that third set
that the ball was called in, which was called good, because really then
I felt like I was playing my best. That kind of got me down. I was like
very disappointed that the umpire didn't see that. I mean, I can't
believe he missed it really.
Q. A lot has been made of your sort of lack of intensity. That
was one point where you got a little upset. Do you think that's a fair
criticism of your game, that you don't really show any outward emotion?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, I used to show more, but lately there was
not much I could show because I was only losing. I don't want to just
smash racquets. I have a good racquet, you know. No need for me to
smash that one. It's myself, my head, which was not working. But it's
true, before I used to show more emotions. But I'd always have to calm
down and save that energy for the match, you know, for the
concentration. When it's going to be a full stadium, I will show more
emotions. Today was not necessary really. For me it's just important
that I'm happy on the court, that I smile, good shots from him, good
shots from me, that I enjoy myself. It's very important for my game.
Q. Has the loss of Peter Carter affected you, your outlook on things over the last month or so?
ROGER FEDERER: Yeah. I mean, obviously, yes. This is something
very tough for me. It still hurts. A lot has changed since, yes.
Q. Was Michael getting upset with the umpire about something?
ROGER FEDERER: There's no reason to.
Q. Did something happen at the end? Did he want the match
stopped because of the rain? I wasn't there. We saw it on the screen.
ROGER FEDERER: Yes, he wanted to stop.
Q. Did you say, "Play on"?
ROGER FEDERER: I didn't say anything. I was just thinking.
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