TELECOM ITALIA MASTERS

May 8, 2003

Filippo Volandri

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

FILIPPO VOLANDRI: It was the biggest emotion I have felt since I've been playing tennis. Because I had already reached quarterfinals in Monte-Carlo, but it's obvious being in a quarterfinal here in Rome, in front of your public, it's something very special.

FILIPPO VOLANDRI: Yes, it was very hot for both of us because on center court it's very, very hot and you don't have wind, you don't have anything. So if it's 30 outside, inside it must be 37. So we were both very, very tired. That's why I think he broke me in the second set, because I was feeling that it was too hot. And then I started to, well, try to cool down with some water because I was getting tired, too. But, well, luckily, it was me who got better in the end.

FILIPPO VOLANDRI: No, we had another one, Martelli, but he was 98, 99. So I am the highest ranked.

FILIPPO VOLANDRI: Well, I say that I prefer if there were more Italians because it's some kind of competition among us. But it's clear that it's good as well to be the only Italian, because everybody is looking at me. And I get a little pressure, but it's fine for the moment. It's a wonderful feeling anyhow.

FILIPPO VOLANDRI: Well, I've seen him today and I was really, really impressed by the way he's playing. He's really a huge player. I feel that if he plays like that tomorrow, it's gonna be a really tough match. But tennis is strange, you never know what happens. Tomorrow he might play differently, so you never know. I'll try to set the pace and to be strong, then who knows...