TMS MONTE CARLO

April 17, 2003

Juan Carlos Ferrero

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yes, of course. Given the difficulty of the match and being 5-4, a few points from losing the match, I was very pleased with that victory.

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I don't believe that pressure played a role in that match. I believe that, actually, it was a match of a few details between us. We were both playing at a very good level. The only thing is from the moment I was able to play a longer forehand in the third set, I started to win.In the beginning I was playing my forehand a bit short, and that was the key. That made the difference in the match.

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: We never know what can happen. I won two difficult matches against Felix and Gaston, and this gave me a lot of confidence because it's the first tournament on clay and I won against some of the best players on clay. Now I have to follow the same path and try to reach the finals.

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: No, I believe today my forehand was better than against Mantilla. The match started with a break, he raised his level. But I don't believe it was really a matter of forehand, but just that when I was able to play my forehand better, I was winning. That's the key.

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yes, I was a little bit surprised, but I believe he doesn't have the physical shape of a 16-year-old, but of a player like us. He's very strong. Also, he's able to last a long time on the court. He can stand the physical effort. Also, he's very eager to play, he's very confident, and he can play a great tournament - he already did until now play a great tournament. But beating Costa, champion of the French Open, means that he has a good future.