US OPEN

August 30, 1997

Richard Krajicek

Q. Richard, obviously what occurred today helps you for today. Does it help you for the long haul in the tournament in that you miss an opportunity to further acquaint yourself with the court and all that stuff, lose the fitness, all that stuff? How do you feel about that?

RICHARD KRAJICEK: Well, it's a shame that I cannot play on the stadium also of course. And I think if it's going to hurt me, it would only hurt me the next match, that I have a little bit longer break. I think once I get through the next match, I don't think I notice it. I don't think it's a disadvantage to play much less physical-wise.

RICHARD KRAJICEK: Yeah, in a way you can look at it like that. It's also good to get a test. I mean, this would have been my first high-ranked opponent. I haven't beaten too many high-ranked players the last couple months. So, yeah, I also need a win like that to boost my confidence like that a little bit. I am in the next round, so for sure for the short-term it is good. But in a way, I would have liked to play also. But I don't want to think too much about it. I'm just trying to get ready for my next match and just look at the good side, which is that I'm in the next round and that I didn't have to strain myself physically.

RICHARD KRAJICEK: I think today would have been a good day to play because then, like I said, I played a high-ranked player. If I would have beaten him, it would have given me confidence, would also have given me a chance to see how my game it. I'm hitting the ball well. I feel pretty good on the court. Like I said, I haven't beaten too many high-ranked players, so, you know, I think that's important. Once I get to feel that I can beat them again, that I feel good, confident enough to play them, then I think I have a good chance. But I've played lower-ranked guys which maybe have a little more respect for you, and it's good to play against guys who don't have too much respect for you.