TMS MONTE CARLO

April 16, 2002

Nicolas Escude

THE MODERATOR: First question, please.

NICOLAS ESCUDE: Not as bad as it seems in spite of the score. The number of breaks I was able to make. At least it was better than last year, that's for sure. Talking about the feeling on the court, now there's still a lot of work to do. It's not after two days of preparation in total that I was going to do miracles, especially on clay. It's taking a good direction, but there's a lot of work ahead.

NICOLAS ESCUDE: Yes, the feelings on the court were good. In my opinion, my psychological approach maybe was better. Last year I felt very frustrated quickly.

NICOLAS ESCUDE: I touched my racquet Friday for half an hour, Saturday for one hour and five minutes in total, and Sunday almost the same. Yesterday, a bit more. For me, and for most of the players, it's not enough.

NICOLAS ESCUDE: Because this year I really wanted to succeed on clay, to do good things, to play good matches, and to try everything I could during the tournaments before the French Open so that I could come in to the French ready at my top level on that surface, and not at the top of my frustration, as was the case last year.

NICOLAS ESCUDE: My injury is passed, but it took time. Once I had the results of the MRI, which were negative, which means there were no lesion or muscular problems, I could have started the same day like a crazy man. But I still kept my weekend for myself before hitting the ball. But I didn't force anything. Everything is in the right place now. No problem.

NICOLAS ESCUDE: I'm mainly going to use the doubles to spend some time on this kind of surface, which is very important. Try to play good doubles and to win a maximum of them. After, on top of the doubles, I will work a lot, that's for sure.

NICOLAS ESCUDE: I'll be in Barcelona next week, then I'll have a preparation week at home for sure. And then Rome, Hamburg, and after I'll certainly go up to Paris.