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May 17, 2007
Hamburg AMS Third Round
By Hamburg Masters Official Site
Press Conference with ROGER FEDERER
Federer - Ferrero 6:2, 6:3
Q: It wasn’t as cold and damp out there today. It was a bit drier,
but there was a wind. You seemed to play better. Did you find it easier?
FEDERER:
Today in the warm-up, on the practice court I thought it was so cold. I
think it was colder today than yesterday. It was the open roof and the
wind today made it difficult to play, there was a bit of sun, a bit of
shadow. The conditions were maybe as tough but different. Maybe the
tough match yesterday helped me to play better today. I mixed it up
well today. I used my slice, my drop shot, didn’t miss so much, played
a good forehand when I had to, also served pretty well all the way
through. That’s what I like to see. So, I’m very happy with my playing
at the moment.
Q: Nevertheless it seemed hard work emotionally. You seemed a bit down or flat. Did you feel like that?
FEDERER:
No, not really. I felt very good on the court. I felt pumped up and
happy. Sorry it looked the other way around. I felt good.
Q: Can you explain the Klitschko connection?
FEDERER:
We met at the Golden Camera in Berlin a couple of years ago when I got
some award in the sports section. He got it for his political
involvement in the Ukraine. We always had contact, actually never saw
each other again. As he lives here in Hamburg we were happy to catch
up. He is a nice guy and comes and watches my matches. That’s nice.
Q: A couple of words on Ferrer.
FEDERER:
I have a very good record against him first of all. Every time I am
surprised how comfortably I’m able to beat him. I’ve never lost a set
against him and beat him quite comfortably in Monaco both years now.
I’ve played back to back Ferrer and Ferrero in Monaco. So this time
it’s the other way round. I’m sure if I can keep this level up, I have
a good chance. But the thing is with these guys, you’re a bit off and
you’ll be in a fight for sure. So, we’ll see what happens. He’s a good
player. It’s going to be a tough match.
Q: You said the weather conditions were similar to yesterday. Why did you play better today?
FEDERER: Yesterday it was 1st round, today 2nd.
The opponent plays differently as well. Sometimes the opponent can be
better and his game suits you more. Yesterday was different. I didn’t
say the conditions were the same, I said they were different but both
tough because of the wind. Yesterday the roof was closed, it was damp
and wet. Today it was windier with more shadows. It really wasn’t easy.
So one match can make all the difference sometimes. Today it was a
perfect match and I’m really very satisfied and hope to continue this
performance.
Q:
This year you seemed to be more depressed and serious. Does that have
something to do with you getting older or is that because of the sport?
FEDERER:
I’m in a good mood lately. I’m happy to be here, otherwise I wouldn’t
come here. Maybe I’m a bit more concentrated on court as I was at the
beginning of my career. I didn’t play here last year. The last time I
played here is two years ago. So a lot of time has passed, I played a
lot of matches, made a lot of experiences. So I don’t go crazy whenever
I win or lose a point, because I will probably have 500 more matches to
play within my career. If I’m getting too emotional I’ll be finished in
three years time and I don’t want that. So I have to hold back my
emotions for a bit.
Q:
You talked about your friendship with Vladimir Klitschko. Could you
imagine that some of the boxing exercises could be interesting for you
as well?
FEDERER:
I know lot of sportsmen, and it’s always interesting to see how the
others work, doesn’t matter if it’s football, golf or boxing. It’s
always a bit similar in professional sports, the attitude, the
professionality, in boxing the leg work is similar. But thank God we
don’t have any body contact. I always told him that. I’m quite happy
about that. He was very surprised how fast the balls go past here. He
said that it’s quite tough in tennis as well. But I said, “not as tough
as in boxing”. We had a nice chat yesterday.
Q:
You said your goal was to reach the second round. How much hope is
there for the fans in Hamburg to see a final between Nadal and Federer?
FEDERER:
It was surely important for Nadal to survive the first round here,
because here are completely different conditions than in Rome and he
had just a little
time to adjust to them. So it’s great for the tournament that he is
still in it. He didn’t play here in the last 2 years and still won the
French Open. For me the start was completely different. I arrived here
after a big disappointment in Rome, have played two matches and I’m
very satisfied. So now the chances are much better we will both be able
to gain some confidence. So I guess that we both hope that it will
happen. But there are a lot of players here, especially good players.
So let’s see what will happen.
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