AUSTRALIAN OPEN

January 24, 2003

Rainer Schuettler

RAINER SCHUETTLER: I was nervous in the second set. But, of course I was nervous. I mean, after I won the first set, I got a lack of concentration, but then I tried to focus again. Yeah, it worked. So, of course, I was nervous when I went out there. But, yeah, it was okay. It was a good feeling actually. It was a nice crowd.

RAINER SCHUETTLER: I mean, actually I didn't think about that (smiling). But, no, I mean, I just took the opponents how they came. I'm in the final now. I'm more than happy. There's another guy from the States waiting. I mean, he looks in a really good shape, so we see what's going to happen on Sunday.

RAINER SCHUETTLER: Actually, I didn't care if he was hurt or not because, I mean, I tried to play my tennis. Yeah, like he did this in a couple matches to get treatment when he was a set down. I really tried to focus on my game; I didn't care if he was injured or not. I tried to play my aggressive game from the baseline. I mean, if you serve with 215 or whatever, then I don't know if the wrist really hurts. I mean, he knows better. For me, I won, and that's what counts.

RAINER SCHUETTLER: Of course. I mean, he had a tough five-set matches. I mean, I played I think four or five hours less than he did. So, of course, for me it was better if we go in the fourth or fifth set. It would be better for me.

RAINER SCHUETTLER: No. I don't know if I'm the German hero right now. No, I mean, it's a dream for me, a dream to be in the final. Yeah, I said on the court, sometimes you have a dream, and you're able to reach it. I guess it's one of my best moments in life.

RAINER SCHUETTLER: I mean, my parents said it's pretty stressful for them right now. I think, yeah, everybody is happy, or a lot of people are happy and watching my games. Yeah, I'm very happy about that. There are a lot of people watching me and support me. They enjoy the way I play tennis.

RAINER SCHUETTLER: As I said, it's like a dream. I did this when I reached the quarterfinals. I said, "Okay, maybe it's going to bring me a little bit of luck because I will need it for Sunday." I'm just happy to be there, just try to feel the atmosphere a little bit more.

RAINER SCHUETTLER: Maybe he eats something wrong the day before, then I have a chance (laughter). No, I mean, I have no pressure at all. I just go on the court. He's in good shape. He played the matches unbelievable. So I go out there, try to give my best, and at the end I will see the result.

RAINER SCHUETTLER: Yeah. Sounds good, actually (laughter). But every time is the first time. I mean, no, I'm really looking forward to the final. Yeah, maybe I have the chance to win. If not, I try at least to play a really good final. But I will go on the court and try to win, of course.

RAINER SCHUETTLER: Yeah, but it was different because I played on clay. I think it was four or five years ago in Munich. I think, yeah, it was a totally different game. I mean, it was my second year on tour. It's a long time ago. I think I improved a lot. So it will be like for me, it's fun to go out there and, yeah, try to give my best. But I think to discuss about a game five years ago, actually I don't remember a lot, but I know that he kicked my ass.

RAINER SCHUETTLER: Actually, I really don't know where I was. I mean, I wasn't here. I don't know where I was.

RAINER SCHUETTLER: This is pretty tough. Actually, I don't like to answer that question because like people who know me, for them it should be easier. I always try to be friendly. I try to be a polite person and a very friendly person.

RAINER SCHUETTLER: No. I mean, my game is to play aggressive from the baseline. I just try to play my game. It's always the same. When it doesn't work, maybe you have to change it a little bit, the tactics. First of all, I try to play my game, yeah, play aggressive from the baseline. I didn't change anything before.

RAINER SCHUETTLER: No, I don't have any difficulties running on the court. Actually, I prefer to play on hard court because for me it's easier to run. I mean, on clay you always have to slide. I mean, I like to play on hard court, and I don't have any problems with running.