WIMBLEDON

June 28, 2001

Yevgeny Kafelnikov

MODERATOR: Questions, please.

YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV: No, not really. I guess the rain interruption in the beginning of the match I think had some factor on my performance in first set. I think I was quite a bit nervous at that stage because he did play probably, you know, far above his standard, especially in the first set. But then, you know, I did settle down. You know, when you're playing a best-of-five set match, surprises is very rarely happening. That's the way I felt. If I would have come to normal routine, like I always have, sure, his chances wouldn't be that big. I've proven that next three sets.

YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV: I don't think so. It is a factor which is playing big part in the result of the match, no questions about it. But, you know, on top of that, you have to look on your ability to play. Over the years I have proven that I belong to the Top 10, no matter what kind of surfaces we're playing on. Arvind, you know, he hadn't had much success besides his results only that he made in England, Wimbledon or Queen's Club, those type of tournaments. You do expect sometimes shocking results, but it's not the way to be today that, you know, that kind of results would be happening today in the match. You know, I do see my opportunity very big, especially this tournament. You know, my career fading away from me. I'm 27 years old. It's about time for me to make a big, big statement in this tournament.

YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV: To be honest, I wish, probably for Arvind, he's not a natural serve-and-volley player, and I think that Court 1 was especially made for his style of the game. Who knows if they would have put us on the Court 1, could have been upset. But instead they chose to put us on Court 2 where I felt today there was a big difference to Court 1 because the ball stays low compared to Court 1, and you do get opportunity to serve and volley both serves.

YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV: Interesting.

YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV: Obviously I want to avoid Carlsen because lefties always bring troubles, especially on this surface. I have belief in myself. If I do play up to my standard, which I always do, who knows.

YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV: I'm expecting it, yes, in the next upcoming matches. You know, like you said, the standard which I showed, especially in the fourth set, was very, very high, although Arvind was quite down on himself having won the first set, felt like he had chances. You know, you do expect, especially when you're playing on the grass, aggressive style of play from your opponent. I think, you know, by deciding basically to serve and stay back, to construct the point from the baseline, he got me off balance a little bit. I'm on the state of mind where I know that my opponent will serve and volley both serves, you know, and I know exactly what I have to do. But when opponents are deciding to mix it up or even stay back, you know, construct the points from the baseline, you do get a little bit off balance. That's why the first set was quite tight. But then, you know, I adjust my game to that style of play. And basically from that point on was no troubles.

YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV: Besides he was born on the same hometown as me, very talented. His size doesn't give much confidence. Very short. Doesn't have big game. But, you know, he does have feel around the court.

YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV: He's 24 years old.

YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV: Yeah. He's not that young.

YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV: I read that.

YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV: It is a big part, especially these days in the men's game. You got to be physically very, very strong. I don't know how you really can get cramps while playing on the grass court. I don't think it ever happens to the top players. That's what makes difference.

YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV: Absolutely. No matter what kind of surface you're playing on, you have a five-set match, obviously it takes big, big energy out of your body. You know you have to come out in two days' time and perform, have even better performance. Those guys, sometimes they have really big trouble to come back and perform at such a high standard of play back to back.

YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV: You know, I would lean towards more physical ability playing a big, big role these days than, for example, your technical ability.

YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV: As far as I know, he's surfing in Hawaii at the moment.

YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV: Unfortunately, I don't know the number.