TMS MONTE CARLO

April 25, 2004

Rainer Schuettler

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

RAINER SCHUETTLER: I think he played a very good match. I mean, he didn't miss a lot of shots. I was trying to go for the shots. And especially in the first and third set, I had a lot of break chances, but I just didn't make them. That's the difference. I mean, I had Love-40 in the third set, first service game I had 15-40. So, yeah, I didn't make them, and that was the difference. If I get more confidence with the way I am playing and then I make some of the important points, then I'm getting back into the match. But second set was really not good. And if you miss so many balls against a solid player like he is, then it's really difficult.

RAINER SCHUETTLER: I think right now he's just playing unbelievable good tennis. That's it. I mean, if you see, it's not a big difference from the tennis point of view. I mean, everybody in the Top 100 can beat each other. So it's not a difference, I think, from a tennis point of view. It's just, I mean, right now he's very confident. Last year he had a very good season. He's right now on top of his game, so that's why he's playing that successfully.

RAINER SCHUETTLER: The best souvenir, of course, are the memories. I mean, I will never forget the way I played here. I will never forget the experience to play center court with a lot of people. I mean, even though I lost today, maybe it sounds strange, but I will never forget that. I hope I will forget the result, but not the atmosphere out there (smiling).

RAINER SCHUETTLER: Yes. As I said, I had a lot of breakpoints. I had Love-40 at the first game. Then, I mean, if I am leading with a break, then maybe the third set can turn around quickly. I had another, I think, two breakpoints - was at 2-all, I think - yeah , so if I don't take the chances, that's what makes the difference. I mean, if I am leading 4-1, what could happen if I just make two more points? Then it's 4-1 for me in the third set. So then, yeah, maybe because he was a little bit -- he had problems with his leg a little bit, so maybe he's getting more tired, and the match can turn around. But it didn't happen.

RAINER SCHUETTLER: Yeah, just because on three fingers I had blisters, but that's normal. That's not a big deal.

RAINER SCHUETTLER: You mean birthday present?

RAINER SCHUETTLER: To be honest with you, I don't know what -- if I could buy something, I don't know what I would buy. I am very happy with the way I live. I have everything. The only thing I hope, that I have some time - maybe tonight, or if not, tomorrow - to spend with my family. I invite them for dinner or for lunch or whatever, and then I am happy.

RAINER SCHUETTLER: I am trying to get the plane, yes (smiling).