AUSTRALIAN OPEN

January 14, 2003

Gustavo Kuerten

MODERATOR: Questions for Guga.

GUSTAVO KUERTEN: Well, not really. I mean, for me it's always difficult to find my rhythm in the beginning of the year. I was very satisfied the way I played last week. You know, just got my game going very early in the year, it really never happen. So is the first time. I was thinking much more that side than the tiredness, no time to practice and all this. As you face like Arazi, a tough guy in the first round, it's always tough. It's like a trick, you know, for sure, I didn't have the best practice to play well my first round, but also I come up with a great shots just when I need, just because of winning a couple match last week. So I feel just -- it's a better way, you know, coming with this advantage, but on the other hand having much more confidence in your game. I think the confidence is more important for me than the tiredness that can happen during the tournament.

GUSTAVO KUERTEN: It's like the sea, the heaven, too. It's peaceful, quiet. I think it's looking nice, too. I saw in the TV, it's looking very well. I feel myself comfortable. It's bring me luck, too, so far. It's still a good run. So far it's really been helping me. I hope especially the Brazilian guys, they like, too, because the Argentinean guys say it's the Argentina colors. I think they're not really going to care too much about this.

GUSTAVO KUERTEN: Well, at least I always get myself playing better at The Open, US Open. But the conditions here are not bad, especially this year. It's not pretty fast. I think I can adapt my game to play well here, too. I just need a couple of matches going through. Now I got to face like a good challenge for me. I never pass over the second round on this tournament. Will be for sure important match to try to win and get myself with better chance. I think as far as I win two matches, I always step up and play better.