TMS - MADRID

October 20, 2005

Mariano Puerta

MODERATOR: Questions, please.

MARIANO PUERTA: He took me to my limits from the beginning. He served really well, too. I'm happy because I played a good match at a high level. But somewhat disappointed because it was an opportunity to add points towards the Masters. Anyway, I still have chances, so let's see. If I keep working, reach my goal.

MARIANO PUERTA: Yes, I wasn't feeling comfortable with my returns. But, as I just said, he was serving really well today. The first time I returned a second serve was late in the match. It was difficult to return his service, yes. High speed.

MARIANO PUERTA: I think he can reach this weekend. I saw him play real good tennis on the court. He served and returned very, very well. He's been moving fast. He's been playing great tennis since the beginning of this year. He has many chances of getting far into the tournament.

MARIANO PUERTA: Yesterday I returned better. But I must say that their serves are different. David's serve was getting to me lower. That was difficult to return. Then I think I played good tennis. I don't think I played worse today than yesterday. But I had an opponent that played great tennis from behind the baseline and made things difficult for me.

MARIANO PUERTA: Yes. Even as an alternate.

MARIANO PUERTA: Yes, and Lyon, which is a tournament that can give me points for the Masters. And, yes, I'll go to Lyon and to Paris. That's the end.

MARIANO PUERTA: I must add more points than Davydenko, that's what I know. I'm not really sure about the points I'm missing. It depends on him, too, of him not adding points in Paris, and me winning matches.

MARIANO PUERTA: No, and you know it.

MARIANO PUERTA: When was it?

MARIANO PUERTA: No, I wasn't there.

MARIANO PUERTA: Yeah. I think it was a fast court. I think Spaniards also felt it this way. It was within the rules. When you play in Slovakia, you always have difficulties. We were looking forward to winning the Davis Cup. We were working together. We put a lot of effort on our side. We are looking forward towards next year. We need to think about the Davis Cup as our first priority.

MARIANO PUERTA: I don't really know. That's a thing directors and the organizational body knows, not me. I'm not informed. I cannot express my opinion.

MARIANO PUERTA: Great. That was great. Exceptional support, yeah. When I left the court, I noticed. Yesterday, I did too. People were very polite. It's normal that they supported the Spaniard. But I feel grateful, too, and optimistic, hoping to come here next year.