TMS - MADRID

October 17, 2002

Juan Carlos Ferrero

Q. How did the match change?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah, the first set, it was pretty tight. Either one of us could have won it. The second game, I could have won it, but then I played with less depth in the first games, and he went ahead. The first set was decided by a break. It's like the first set slipped a little bit through my fingers. But then I started to strike strong from the baseline.

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I played a meter and a half deeper in the second set, and he couldn't come forward so much. My forehand was working well.

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah, he played very well in the first set, but I think he took advantage of my short game. If I would have played deeper, he wouldn't have been so comfortable. But he has shown that he has a game that can adapt to any kind of surface. He can play very well.

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I thought he was going to be. But if he was going to be, he would have taken the initiative in the second set. In the first set, he didn't let me get it, so I thought he would do the same. I realized I had to become more aggressive quickly.

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah, I feel closer to Shanghai. It's a good opportunity. Whoever I meet next, I'm getting closer to the Masters Cup. I think if I keep on playing like this, I will do it.

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I said this before, the public is very good, since the first day. They really lift your spirit.

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: They are different players. Agassi has a big name. Beating him would be a very important victory. But for Spanish tennis, I think it's better if Feliciano wins.

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I would love to play against him on a hard court. But if Feliciano wins, for Spain it's better.

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Feli is playing very well, serving very well, being very brave. He plays from the back of the court, very aggressive. Even if he's losing, he always attacks. He's very consistent. He's level is very high.

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: No. Me, too, I want to be the No. 1. If I could achieve that, it would be fantastic for this year.

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Well, could be, yes. I'm playing well. Of course, there are other players who play very well, as well. I'll try to do my job. But if I keep on with this level of my second and third set, I could really get there maybe.