US OPEN

September 5, 2000

Nicolas Kiefer

MODERATOR: Questions for Nicolas.

NICOLAS KIEFER: One time.

NICOLAS KIEFER: Last match point, that's all. Maybe two. I mean, I saw it afterwards on TV. The ball was clearly out. That's what's happening. I was happy that I won finally in four sets. You know, it's never easy because you are relaxed after. I went up with my hands, I was so happy that I did it. The linesman said, "Deuce." I was a little shocked. I had breakpoint. My string break. I had to take a new racquet. All these things are not easy. I think I deal good with this. I'm happy to beat him.

NICOLAS KIEFER: I think he's playing great for the last nine months. Everywhere he goes, he goes to the finals, semifinals, he wins. He's a very tough player. He's a great athlete. Well, I played great match today. I played my game. I didn't give him the chance to play his game. That's what you have to do.

NICOLAS KIEFER: It was strange. First two sets was so much wind. I had also to play with the wind, not against Magnus, but also with the wind. In the third set and fourth set, when the sun was out, not too much wind. But that's what happened. You have to deal with it.

NICOLAS KIEFER: Well, I mean, there were very bad calls that, sure, on one side, the two balls, they were out, and they both were on the line. Maybe it's the bonus of the top players, I don't know. But finally I will get it soon, hopefully. No, I have to control myself. If I throw my racquet or do anything else, I can't focus on my game.

NICOLAS KIEFER: Thanks.

NICOLAS KIEFER: Well, I try to relax, not to show too many emotions. I want to focus on my match. I want to focus on, how you say, the way I want to play, what I thinking about. I try to play my game.

NICOLAS KIEFER: Well, sure, you learn year-by-year or week-by-week. I mean, two, three years ago, I would have thrown the racquet from one side to the other side maybe. But now you learn, you get older, you try to behave a little bit more.

NICOLAS KIEFER: It's going good, obviously.

NICOLAS KIEFER: Every person is different. Sven is a little bit younger. He had great players, too, like Rusedski and Stich. He knows what he's doing. He with help me for my next step.

NICOLAS KIEFER: Well, maybe he likes the style of the younger players. I mean, Bob was on tour for many years, over 20 years. He was with (inaudible) together. Maybe he liked this style. Everybody knows what he's doing or what he wants to do.

NICOLAS KIEFER: I tell you, I had very bad night. There were so many bomb attacks, I had to change hotel yesterday. It was only stress for me. I couldn't relax one minute since my match with Schalken last week. 10:00 they told me I had to change hotel. "Come on, leave me one night here." Next morning I had to find another room. I didn't find any room because we are three person, we have to find three rooms. Finally I did it. I think tomorrow is the same thing again when Mr. Clinton is going.

NICOLAS KIEFER: Yes.

NICOLAS KIEFER: W.

NICOLAS KIEFER: Yes.

NICOLAS KIEFER: I mean, there was so many bomb attacks, it makes afraid. I don't want to stay in there if something is going to happen.

NICOLAS KIEFER: I haven't been so often in the second week of a Grand Slam. It's my first time quarterfinal. I try to do better sometime. I think every match is very important in the quarterfinal. You have to focus on every match. I think it's something special to be in the second week.

NICOLAS KIEFER: Sure. But I'm looking forward to play good my next match. I think that I can do it one time. It's just a question of the time, when I do it, when I break through the semifinal. I'm working hard. Also when I'm injured, I'm working on my fitness. Doesn't matter what part of my body. I'm working hard. I try to go my way.