|
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Kooyong Final
By AAMI Classic Official Site
R. FEDERER/A. Roddick 2-6, 6-3, 3-6
An interview with: ROGER FEDERER
Q. Obviously it's never nice to lose, but do you feel you're in good
shape going into the Open?
A. Yes, I think that's what really counts, you know, the way I feel.
It was hard conditions, and against Andy I knew that if the wind
was going to be blowing, that it's going to be really hard from
the baseline, so I decided, instead of breaking my rhythm,
I would rather come to the net and try something else and try to
play a little bit this way. Because already it's hard to return
his serve. But in this wind, on my own serves, to battle along,
it's not just great fun, so I decided to change it up a bit. It
worked pretty well, gave me the idea that I have that option as
well. So I thought at the end I started to play really well,
I had all my chances, so I was very happy actually the way I came
out on top in the match in the end. But he had the crucial
break, and it didn't really matter much in the end. I think the
match was good.
Q. Did Andy serve bigger than he has the last couple of days, today?
A. Well, in the first set. I don't think his serve was that great
in the second and third. It was tough for him in the wind as
well, that's why I was quite surprised how well he served in the
beginning. I practised with him over at Rod Laver Arena, he was
serving way better than today. I guess it's hard in the wind,
but he's definitely playing well. I didn't have to play him here
to know that, but definitely the fact that he's been able to
raise his game a little bit in the last six months or so.
Q. How would you describe your progress from the first match with
Stepanek to today?
A. I think it was tough in general, with the wind and with the way
you play here, you know, compared to how nice and close the court
is over at Melbourne Park. Of course we're going to see much
better tennis over there, but here maybe it's a bit more
entertaining because you'll see points you won't see over there.
I doubt that you'll see me play like today over there as well,
because it's going to be much easier to return, to pass,
everything, you know. Yes, I've been playing over there
basically every day and I'll definitely be able to raise my game
when I have to over there because it's going to be much easier.
Q. Roger, how important do you think are endorsements to the growth
and survival of a player on the international circuit?
A. For the tournaments or for the players?
Q. For the players, how important are endorsements to their growth
and survival through the ranks?
A. Well, I think they're very important if you're lower ranked,
trying to get your travelling organised, you know, maybe be able
to pay a coach and stuff. So for us it's just a massive bonus on
the side, you know, whereas for lower ranked players -- and
I have plenty of those friends who struggle with the tour because
they are just playing the lower levels -- and they definitely
need some help from sponsors.
Sponsors in general in sport is a very important thing, you
know, to be able to survive, to be able to give you an
opportunity. I had great help from the Swiss Federation at the
beginning and I was lucky enough, I was kind of a good junior and
I had sponsors basically my whole life, from maybe 16 on. That
was a great help, so thanks to them.
Q. You did some serve and volley in the second set; did you do that
intentionally?
A. Absolutely, yes.
Q. Are we going to see a lot of serve and volley at the Australian
Open?
A. Well, it's an option I have to do, maybe for a set or a few games
or a few point. It's just good to know that I can do it, and
I thought it was not bad today. I haven't done it in years, so
it's kind of a tough thing right away, in the wind especially.
I was struggling to see the ball in the crowd, it was really
quite bright, as soon as it went out of the red zone, so to
speak. Yes, because I didn't want to lose my rhythm from the
baseline, I decided to go to the net.
Q. Any thoughts on the draw next week?
A. I think it's a fair draw. I have good players in my sections.
I think Youzhny is an excellent player, Djokovic is an excellent
player, and the guy I play first round, I lost to him in '99,
I've never beaten him. We'll see what happens. I feel good
about my chances, obviously. But Grand Slam is a long story so
I have to attack it in a good way and hopefully play a good
opening match.
Q. I was curious, I notice you're wearing a watch playing the game.
I find it a bit funny. Is that what your sponsor asked to you
do?
A. Yes, it's my sponsor, yes, it's not the competing sponsor. But
yes, I've been playing with it in practice, I've been playing
with it in exhibitions. I don't think I'll wear it for the
tournament. But it doesn't disturb me, whereas a couple of years
ago I couldn't play with the watch. It's more comfortable
leaving it on, rather than hiding it in the bag somewhere and be
afraid it's being stolen, I would rather have it on my wrist.
|
