AUSTRALIAN OPEN

January 21, 2004

Marat Safin

THE MODERATOR: First question, please.

MARAT SAFIN: Huh?

MARAT SAFIN: No, I just got a little bit tired and had problems in my legs. I couldn't really, like, couldn't move. I felt a little bit like weak. So I started to get annoyed by that because I didn't want to play like four sets. I didn't want to get in trouble for the fifth. That's why somehow I tried to keep it up and just keep the tension of the match.

MARAT SAFIN: No. Because, I mean, it's obvious - it's difficult to come back, and it's difficult to play the same level as you used to play, especially if you been out for six months. Then your muscles definitely get a little bit weak. So bring back the power in the legs is a little bit difficult. It's coming with the matches.

MARAT SAFIN: Yeah, I mean, it's a great win. It's great to beat Jarkko. He's a good player. He knows how to play big matches. He had some great wins. It's a really good match for me, especially to win in four sets. Even I had opportunity to -- I had a chance to stay in the third. I made him a break 5-4, and then I just lost my serve. But I am satisfied. It's a great match to fight. I mean, four sets, I make four sets, so it's quite good for me.