US OPEN

August 31, 2003

Yevgeny Kafelnikov

THE MODERATOR: Questions for Yevgeny.

YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV: Not at all, not at all. We were a little bit disappointed with the decision yesterday. In the end, there is nothing we can do about it. It was a USTA call. They decided it was better for us to come out next day, pretty much start all over again.

YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV: Repeat the question. I didn't get it quite.

YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV: I don't think it would be any big problems, no.

YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV: You know, it's really difficult to answer your question because, you know, obviously the occasion is special for him. You know, he's playing at home, US Open. This is the tournament probably that he wanted to win every single time that he steps on the court. There is no question that he brings best game out here as possible. Today was no exception. I think he played just as good as he did four years ago, maybe even better.

YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV: Not really, you know. He always sticks to the same game plan that he had since he was, I don't know, 20 years old. He's trying to overpower the opponent from the baseline. The only difference I can see that he's got physically stronger, which is complete absurd. Normally, if you are getting older, you are becoming physically weaker. With him, it's opposite. You know, he's getting older. Obviously, he's improving that department. That's what makes him special. I don't see many guys that at the age of 33 can compete as hard as he doing.

YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV: That is question I cannot give you answer on.

YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV: There is a chance. But, of course, there is a chance you might see me next year. 50/50.

YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV: Absolutely. You know, I had a lot of fun playing on such a stage, here in New York, on the Sunday afternoon. It was unbelievable. The crowd was exciting. Unfortunately, I wish I kept myself a little longer on that center court. But, you know, I was quite happy what I've done today on that center court.