TMS - LISBON

December 1, 2000

Gustavo Kuerten

MODERATOR: Questions for Gustavo.

GUSTAVO KUERTEN: Well, I think, you know, it's been the same the last few days. I having pain and I having some troubles to move sometimes. But it's not affecting my performance on court. Everybody see I can play well and I still can compete against the guys. I think I'm going to be almost the same tomorrow. I can have the same performance as today and some chance to have a good match.

GUSTAVO KUERTEN: I was very excited, playing great tennis. Like I said before, maybe I playing best tennis ever in my life. I feel like doing every shot, doesn't matter, I'm doing the right shot. It's a great feeling, you know. I know how I am. I know my body's not feeling the best way I would like to. But I'm feeling the ball very well. I'm doing with my mind a lot of pleasure with what I'm doing now. Things are working. I having luck. When I need it, I get some net shots, breaks that I didn't got in first match. Semifinal, I lost in Paris, too. I think it's coming for my side a little bit at this part of the year. Luckily, keep it the same way tomorrow.

GUSTAVO KUERTEN: Well, I not really seeing like that. As they say, I have some trouble, but it's not that if I play, it can cause me a really mess. I'm having a great mind approach, too. I'm seeing always thinking positive. This is helping a lot my recover. Every day, even I'm playing, I'm getting here a little bit better, so that's great. Everybody satisfied with the way my body's responding.

GUSTAVO KUERTEN: Yes, it's very, very important. For me, a match like this, it's very important to be motivated by the public. It was a factor which elevated my level of play. I really like to play in these conditions. At important times of the match, it really makes me play better.

GUSTAVO KUERTEN: No. Well, it's a bit strange. It's the first time I was foot faulted. It's such a difficult thing to say. I think that the line judge has to be very careful with how he calls them.

GUSTAVO KUERTEN: I'm not too worried about it. I've reached the semifinal, which I wasn't expecting. It's an historic feat for me and for Brazil. I'm going to play against Sampras, who I consider the best player of all time. It's a very special occasion. Tomorrow I'm going to be very motivated and I'm going to fight a lot. I know that we both have equal chances.

GUSTAVO KUERTEN: No, I'm not too worried about that, especially after my first defeat here. I've tried to forget those things. I'm trying to worry about the things which I really need, which I need to do to win matches and play well. I think that Safin deserves to be the No. 1 Player of the Year. I think he's played the best now also at the end of the year. He deserves to win. If I manage to pass him, it's going to be an absolute miracle. I think that the No. 1 spot will be in good hands. I just have to take notice of this fantastic moment. It's one of the most happy moments of my career.

GUSTAVO KUERTEN: Yes, without a doubt - not only on the court, but also outside. Life is full of emotions. I try to live it with the most emotion possible. I do a bit of everything. I cry, I laugh. I try to live it to the most.

GUSTAVO KUERTEN: It's difficult to say that I'm going to win here. I would prefer to have no injury. I think I could be having a better performance. I think I could play a bit better than I am playing. I've been able to deal with my injury. The psychological part is very important, even due to my physical limitations.

GUSTAVO KUERTEN: I'm going to rest a lot. I'm going to try and practice 30 minutes or 40 minutes before the match. I'm going to try and take advantage of this good moment I'm going through. Everybody has their antennas connected here to the pavilion. I think there's going to be a lot of pressure. The last two days, everything has been my way. I'm going to try to use that to the full advantage tomorrow and be very positive. I'm going to get ready well for the match. I'm thinking that I'm going to make a bit more of history for Brazil - and my career. I have to risk a lot. I know he's sufficiently good to beat me, and vice versa. I know that the match is going to be very tight. I'm really going to enjoy this moment.

GUSTAVO KUERTEN: I've never felt such pleasure in hitting the ball with strength, unleashing my power. I'm in condition to hit the ball well. I'm focused to play the best I can. Things are going the right way. I managed to work on various problems and overcome many obstacles. It's going to be a big match tomorrow. It's going to be a very special moment for me tomorrow. It's the first time I'm in the semifinals of the Masters.