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Saturday, June 11, 2005
Halle Semifinal
By Gerry Weber Open Official Site
Interview with Roger Federer
Press-Conference with Roger Federer (SUI) after his win against Thomas Haas (GER) 6-4, 7-6 (11-9)
? Was your performance a perfect one on grass?
! Perhaps you can look at it this way, but I would say, that it was a good match. I played my best today, this is definitely how you want to feel just before Wimbledon. It’s good, I’m happy that I’m already on such a good level so early. I’m surprised about myself again, because I came here to Halle and after a few matches I’m already feeling great. I’ve a good feeling, also my movement is good, especially my service got much more consistent. I really served very consistent, I think I had no lapses today. The tie break in the second was unbelievably close, he had set points, I had match points – I’m very pleased to get through in two sets. I think I could have won the match easier, because I missed some chances early in the second. But in the end I still should be happy that I won it. I had fun today and I’m feeling quite convenient. Besides, it would be a little bit strange to say I don’t feel good, because I’m two times champion here and haven’t lost any grass court match for sometimes.
? Was that a kind of tie breaker that makes you even tougher?
! You’re absolutely tensed in such moments, because every point is so important, you’re not allowed to make one mistake anymore. Eventually one or the other will make a double fault at any time, because you played so many points and the pressure is so high. Unfortunately it was the match point and luckily it wasn’t me.
? Did you get nervous in such a tie break when Tommy had his set points?
! Yes, but let me explain why: In the beginning I played very solid, Tommy had no chance to come back in the match. Then I naturally became a little bit nervous when he was able to start serving in the second. Naturally you’re a bit frightened that he might be able to come back, because you played perfect until that point and still have in mind that you might be forced to play a third set. That would have been hard mentally for me.
? Are you the top favourite for Wimbledon?
! I would say so, perhaps together with Lleyton. We both are the toughest on the grass. But anyway you’ve got to take care, because there are also some other dangerous players around. I think the seeds are happy that it’s over five sets sometimes.
? Does it affect your game that the crowd supported Tommy that much?
! No, for sure not. The crowd is very fair and it’s normal that they support their people. In the end I can win this title 15 times, this will not change the support for the Germans. I would be concerned if it wouldn’t be this way. I was happy to see many more people today than yesterday. That was a little bit disappointing, because it was the quarter final day. For me this day is the most exciting one, because you are get to see enough great matches, so I’m happy to see more people here today although the weather wasn’t great. By the way the court is exactly the same even when the roof is closed, and it’s a good atmosphere there.
? Who would you prefer as your opponent tomorrow?
! I would prefer Canas, because he’s easier to fight, you can anticipate his game more easily, on the other hand with Marat you never know… Marat and me, we had some tough matches lately, so for the crowd and the tournament it’ll be of course more interesting, when he comes through today. Under this perspective Marat will be an exciting opponent tomorrow.
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