|
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Hamburg AMS Second Round
By Hamburg Masters Official Site
Press Conference with ROGER FEDERER
Federer vs. Berdych 6:2, 6:1
Q: That was a very professional performance. You got through very quickly. Are you happy with the way you played?
A: Yes. It was a good match. I’m really happy. From the start I felt good. Maybe there wasn’t that much at stake. Just a third round in a Masters Series. But I wanted to get rematch from the Olympics. That always plays a role in such matches. You don’t just forget what happened in the previous matches against any player. And with him I have kind of a tough past: He ruined my Olympic dreams in Athens (laughs), so it’s nice.
Q: Were the conditions less heavy?
A: The conditions are totally different. It’s much slower. The ball flew like crazy in Athens. I could never control it. Even though I had my chances, I didn’t take them. Today, I thought from the start that I was the better player from the baseline. I didn’t have that feeling in Athens. That’s a lot to do with the way I approached the match today. That was the difference.
Q: Does it create more physical strain because the conditions are slow and heavy? A: The balls are heavy. So you feel it more from serving. The shoulder is a little sore. But I had the same problem last year and I played through the pain. But physically, moving, it’s not too bad. You can actually move quite similar to a hard court because it’s quite sticky. You can slide but not the length you slide on a hot day when it’s slippery. I kind of like this way. Maybe that’s one of the reasons I’ve been playing here.
Q: Do you see it as separate from the build-up to the French Open?
A: Well, once this tournament is over you start to analyse what went right and what went wrong, also including Monte Carlo and the practice sessions in between. Then you work on being ready for the French. I don’t like to see tournaments like this, which are so important as a build up for other events. So, I take this tournament and try to win it and I know I have enough practice days before the French. That’s kind of my approach and with other events it has been working. Maybe not with the French. But I still believe it’s professional to go into a tournament like this. Because I don’t agree with seeing a tournament as preparation for other events.
Q: With the improvement on your backhand and being mentally stronger, do you feel you can be as successful on clay?
A: It’s tough to say. I can play on all surfaces. It’s also hard for me to say what is my favourite surface. Grass is so short. Again, on hard court I have an unbelievable record even though I love indoor too. And then the clay feels natural for me too, but I hardly play on it. It’s kind of hard to say. I still believe I’ve got most potential left on clay. It’s also where I feel that I will improve the most quickly. Of course, I believe strongly that I can play great clay court matches and I’ve shown it in the past.
|
