The concentration and the physical are important in my game. All my shots are not unbelievable, but all my shots are not bad. The serve is a little bit better this year, and that's important. |
The doctors advised me not to take any chances. I would love to have played here in Rotterdam, all the more so because I've not played for a long time. But I have to be completely fit first. If I play, I want to give it all I have. |
The favorite is always the No. 1. I can win. Blake can win. But the favorite is the No. 1. |
The first match is never easy. To play three sets with some important moments, that's important for the confidence. |
The incident was bad for me. I was 4-0, 0-30 when it happened and then I lost the game. I didn't like it at all. It's not good for the show on court. |
The last two years when I was coming here, I was playing very, very bad ... but the worst moment in the year (was) when I come to the U.S. Open. I think now is a little bit different, no? |
The match was not easy. I was a bit nervous, a bit slow. |
The only way of finding a solution is to fight back, to move, to run, and to control that pressure. |
The record of Borg and Vilas? I have thought about it. |
The worst thing is to play too defensively. I need to play with more intensity and be aggressive. If I do that, I'm going to do well because my touch is good. |
This is good for me, to be third in history on clay. One day I'm going to lose. I hope it's not next week (in Barcelona). |
This is my chance - it's the fourth set. Sure. if I go to the fifth I can win too but I was very near, very near to the victory. I was thinking about the victory, I was thinking about every point I received because he was playing much better and better. |
This is my first match (on clay) for a long time. So it is important to begin with a victory. But I didn't play very well — I was a little nervous. Clement played very aggressive, I played very defensively. |
This victory is very special for me. I couldn't imagine this when I came here. I am very happy, especially after having been away from the court for three months. It's unbelievable and unforgettable for me. |
This was the best match of my career. It was such a tough match. I'm so happy to have won, it's unbelievable. |