TMS MONTE CARLO

April 20, 2001

Roger Federer

THE MODERATOR: First question for Roger, please.

ROGER FEDERER: No, I don't believe it. Not at all. I was not at the best of my tennis. I was even far from it. I am sad that I played a good match yesterday and that I missed this one. It's difficult, but my level couldn't come back today. I tried, but also Sebastien played well. I also had the impression that I was unlucky now and then. He was touching the lines. That's it; it happens.

ROGER FEDERER: No, not as far as I remember.

ROGER FEDERER: Yes, I think so, but it doesn't bother me. I had worse experiences than that. Today, it was really not the problem.

ROGER FEDERER: For me it's difficult to judge his level. I was taking care of myself a lot. I tried to understand why I was missing so much. I don't believe Sebastien did something extraordinary today, but it's enough for him. This is the reason why he's highly ranked. He's difficult to play, he runs well.

ROGER FEDERER: Yes. In the end, it's not bad to win in the quarterfinals of your first tournament on clay this year. I didn't expect that in the beginning of the week, but I'm disappointed by what I did today. I could have done a lot better. But for a beginning of a season, it's all right.

ROGER FEDERER: Yes. Here it's so different. Each court is different from the other one. Once I played against Sanguinetti on the Princes Court - whatever its name is - it was very slow. I almost couldn't do a single winner. I thought, "I can't play anymore. It's incredible." Today on center court it was slippery, fast, something had changed. It was difficult to adapt. But I believe Rome and the French Open are better for me. Hamburg might be like here, it's cold and the balls are hard.

ROGER FEDERER: And Munich.

ROGER FEDERER: I'm working on my physical fitness with Pierre.

ROGER FEDERER: I'm already happy with this first week, the way I moved on the court. From time to time I was not well positioned, but it happens to me on all surfaces. I don't know, I think I must be able to put the ball in, be patient, wait for the right shot to attack. Especially against Chang on clay, I had the impression to have so much time that I can hit all the shots. Indoors, you have one opportunity and even if it's not very good you take it. On clay I have the impression that each ball coming towards me is an opportunity, so I should calm myself down and wait until the best opportunity. This takes a bit of time, but I am going to practice and I think it will come.