US OPEN

September 2, 2001

Yevgeny Kafelnikov

MODERATOR: Questions, please.

YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV: You know, obviously with the results I'm quite satisfied. You know, to get through fourth round US Open, it's obviously a good accomplishment. But I think my game still wishes to be a little bit better if I want to be really in contention to win the US Open. I believe I can improve a little bit. We shall see in the next match.

YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV: Probably my concentration because, you know, all the three matches I had, I always play poorly in the beginning. You know, you give the lead to your opponent, you know, one set or two sets, it's very difficult to come back. I was quite fortunate to do that. But towards the closing stages in the tournament, I don't have to do that. The guys are getting better. You know, you give them small opportunity, they will take it. You know, like I said, if I want to be, you know, right there with the best guys, I have to play the best.

YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV: Yeah, I lost really three matches which I should have one. Hopefully I can get revenge here. But it won't be easy. He's also have played a few competitive matches. You know, today I'm sure he played quite extraordinary against Moya. I haven't seen him because we played at the same time. But, you know, I'm not going to expect anything but, you know, tough and difficult match.

YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV: I would say it's pretty similar. You know, to me I need really small boost to pick up my game. You know, if it happens in the next match against Clement, I believe I can pick up the best game what I can in the next match. You know, if I do play my best game, it's not many guys who are here who can beat me. Hopefully, you know, I will pick it up. You know, I'm sure important factor would be the confidence. If I go out, you know, with a lot of self-confidence, I believe in myself.

YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV: That's good.

YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV: It feels great. I'm just doing what I've been doing past nine years on the tour. Slowly coming towards the closing stages the tournament. I just always like to be in that position. The less attention from the media I get, obviously the less pressure I have. Unfortunately, I said, you know, 2001 hasn't been, you know, exciting year for me. But, you know, if I look back through my career, it always goes, you know, up and down, up and down. You know, I'm just, like I said, happy to win those three matches at the moment. We shall see what happen perhaps on Tuesday.