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Friday, May 13, 2005
Hamburg AMS Quarterfinal
By Hamburg Masters Official Site
Press Conference with ROGER FEDERER
Federer vs. Coria 6:4, 7:6 (3)
Q: -
A: Yes two times in the first set, down a break, in the second the same and in the tiebreak once again. This was a tough match. He started to change his game in the second set. He went for much more. It kind of worked for him. So, it was hard to kind of play the same way. I had to adjust to the way he was playing. Of course, I am very happy. It’s definitely a message for me to the French Open and to the other guys that I can beat him quite convincingly, at least the end. So this is definitely good stuff.
Q: You say a message to the other guys, but it’s a message to yourself as well.
A: Yes, I definitely think so. Its always good to beat top clay court players. They call them the specialists because they play on their favourite surface. This is where they are the best. This is almost where I play the fewest. So, this is a big win for me.
Q: How much did having Tony here this early make a difference?
A: I could have told him to come a week later, but I thought it just might be interesting for him to see me play in Hamburg, of course hopefully the most. If it wouldn’t work out we would at least have time to be on the practice court together which is always good with him, before the French. I thought it’s good for him to see me play and then we can work on a few things the week in between here and the French. So this is the plan. So we can spend 3 ½ weeks together.
Q: Are you definitely a better clay court player than 12 months ago?
A: Tough to say. I have the feeling, I’m back to a very good form on clay. The last few years I’ve always felt good here in Hamburg. I don’t want to over estimate my level of play. Because once I get on the French Open courts, the balls are different, the clay a bit quicker, who knows. I will just have to adjust again. I’m feeling good.
Q: Could you tell us a little bit about your foot problem?
A: I had a strong pain at the Australian Open in the Safin match. The days after were tough. My foot really hurt. I started feeling, because I played so much in the States and I played Monte Carlo as well. I took days off, started to practice again and just felt that the foot wasn’t right yet. Three must have been some sort of inflammation. So, I just preferred to take a rest and make sure that I spend some time at home to give me enough energy for what’s coming now.
Q: Did the noise of the crowd in the five minute delay distract you at all? You lost four games after that?
A: Sometimes it rains. Sometimes something like this happens. You have to handle all sorts of things. But I just thought that it was appropriate to wait.
Q: You said Tony will be here 3 ½ weeks. Will he be here throughout Wimbledon also?
A: That’s not the plan for the moment, but if he starts to like my game and maybe is in the mood to stay longer, I have nothing against it. We’ll see.
Q: What is the plan?
A: Until the French is over.
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