|
March 15, 2006
Indian Wells AMS Fourth Round
By ASAP Sports
R. FEDERER/R. Gasquet
6-3, 6-4
An interview with: ROGER FEDERER
THE MODERATOR: First question for Roger.
Q. A little more routine today?
ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, I think from the start, it was a good match
today. I was very pleased. Never in doubt on the serve.
You know, really I thought I played a little better from the
baseline.
All in all, it was very good.
Q. Is that a reflection that your level went up or Gasquet was
not playing as well?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, hard to say. He definitely hasn't
had the best of starts to the season. So maybe still struggling
with that a little bit. I thought maybe on my own serve, I never
allowed him to play that much, I played aggressive.
Obviously, I think I'll find a way into his service games. I
think, you know, the score was reflected really also how the game was.
Maybe I lifted my game up a little bit. Maybe he allowed
me to play a little bit more. Who knows. I think it's a
combination of many things.
Q. What is the difference playing him on a hard court compared
to clay court?
ROGER FEDERER: Obviously, he has more time on clay to get really
into those rallies, where on hard court he gets rushed quite a bit.
He has to play more offensive. Maybe that's not what he
quite likes too much.
It was a quick match, only 55 minutes or so, an hour. You don't
get to see enough, to be honest. I would have to play him I
think another time on hard court.
Q. How much more did you get yourself up for this match?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, you know, I prepare the same way for every
match. I'm not concerned going into the match at all. I
just try to sort of feel well, always try to play better every match I
play. I'm lucky enough I always play on the same court, which
makes it a little bit easier for me. I know what's coming.
Maybe for him it's a little bit more difficult.
The head-to-head, I'm not really too interested about. I always
look back usually at the last match that has been played. But,
again, that was on clay. You can't take too much out of it
either.
Just take it as it comes and try to play well.
Q. Ljubicic is fairly close to closing out his match. If
you do face him, you've had some good results, including Shanghai.
What has been your key to success in the match-up with him?
ROGER FEDERER: I think better on key occasions. Really, I
played him many times last year. Beat him every time.
I've also played quite a few times before that actually. We've
played each other on a number of occasions. I have a feeling he
definitely changed his game a little bit. Plays even more
patiently. His forehand definitely improved. I think he's
more confident now overall. I think it's a very tough, tough
match for me to play against him.
We've had many close ones, like the one, for instance, in Shanghai.
So I expect the same.
Q. You brought lots of spectators here to the doubles.
What did that do to your net game?
ROGER FEDERER: Not much really. Played terrible
(smiling). But that happens. I was very disappointed with
my performance. But we almost won anyhow, but we lost.
Don't play doubles very often. The last match on tour I won was
in Halle last year. Of course, I won the Davis Cup match which
was a good win. I enjoy playing it. Especially with the
new rules, you don't get much of a confidence going because the games
are over quickly. But I enjoy that contest, too.
Yeah, it's a pity, but it's not going to keep me away from playing
doubles.
Q. Are you playing in Miami together?
ROGER FEDERER: It's not the plan, no.
Q. Can you relate at all to the problems that Andy is having?
ROGER FEDERER: I don't think he's in a hole like you might think
he is. He's had enough success to know what he needs to do to
bounce back. Obviously, I think for him it's disappointing, you
know, not to win tournaments, especially in the States. People
maybe jump on him a little bit. I don't think he's too
concerned. I think he needs to get his game right. That's
maybe not been the case too much lately.
I think he'll finish the year strong. Sort of hope he keeps his
ranking so I'm not going to face off too early with him in the draw.
Q. When you played Nadal recently, do you feel he's physically
stronger than he was before?
ROGER FEDERER: Before and after his injury?
Q. Yes.
ROGER FEDERER: No, I would say about the same. I thought
he looked a little smaller. Not as big, maybe like as he was
playing the end of last year. Maybe that's because he lost a
little bit. I might be wrong, too, there.
But he looks fit. Played excellent in Dubai, also here again.
No, I feel he's the same way. That's a very good sign for
him. I think he should be very happy.
|
