US OPEN

August 28, 2002

Alex Kim

MODERATOR: Questions.

ALEX KIM: It wasn't really the tiebreaker. I wanted that Love-40 game. I guess he was serving 3-5 -- no, 4-5. First I played a weak game with the new balls at 5-3 serving for the third. I was upset about that. But I was still -- I don't know, somehow in the back of my mind, I thought I would have a chance to break him back at 4-5, and I did. He missed that easy forehand. That was my chance. Backhand passing shot that was pretty routine. I was really disappointed I missed it. The breaker, yeah, I knew going into it, playing a guy with a serve like Greg's, my chances weren't good. But it was basically that game when I was up Love-40, pretty disappointing.

ALEX KIM: Exactly. I needed that last set. What can you do?

ALEX KIM: No. I was supposed to play Canas. I was definitely not looking forward to that, to get Greg coming off his win in Indy, beating all those players. But I was definitely not upset that Canas pulled out. I think it was definitely a better match-up against Greg than with Canas. Obviously, after he beat guys like Hewitt and stuff, you know, not looking as good.

ALEX KIM: Definitely. I've come a long way since then. You know, I know I can play with anybody. It's that simple. Definitely my experience two years ago, just being around, knowing your way around the site and stuff, the new facilities and everything. Yeah, I mean, I was really prepared this week. Maybe one year I'll get a better draw.

ALEX KIM: Some of my friends are working in the city from high school and from Stanford. I think a couple of them came out. My coaches were there in my box. The fans were great. I love playing. I had a chance to practice in Louis Armstrong. I think it's almost better than Arthur Ashe because the fans are right on top of you. They are definitely very supportive.

ALEX KIM: Yeah. I'm staying in a friend's apartment on the upper east side. It's really nice. I think this year I really appreciate it more, how great a tournament it is. After going to all the other tournaments throughout the year, yeah, I had a lot of fun out there.

ALEX KIM: Well, you know, I think that's one thing. You stay at hotels all year. It's kind of a drag really. Anytime you can sleep in a bed -- I don't know, just a different atmosphere. Whenever I get a chance, I always try and get like housing or something. This opportunity came up, so I took it.

ALEX KIM: No home cooking, unfortunately. That was a little too much to ask. It was just great to be out of a hotel for a week.

ALEX KIM: I don't know. I've got to get ready. Definitely take a day off. I've got to get ready for another tournament in Brazil which starts in a couple weeks. You know, I'm going to go out, have some fun tonight, just keep going.