TMS MONTE CARLO

April 20, 2000

Karim Alami

Q. Congratulations. Can you talk a bit about Moroccan tennis in general? It is a surprise for the whole world, I believe. You are not the only Moroccan tennis players; there are others.

KARIM ALAMI: Tennis in Morocco is always the same. There is no real structure to train correctly; to have a good coach, to buy equipment, to buy balls, et cetera. There are always problems there. Generally we go to Europe or America to train. Three of us who are in Morocco, apart from Isham, who was in Paris. There are Moroccan coaches and now, little by little, tennis rises in Morocco. Kids watch us on TV. They say if he can do it; why not me. Parents give the possible to the kids to change earlier than six, seven years ago, for example.

KARIM ALAMI: So many kids playing tennis very well and running also. In running we had extraordinary results. We had Golden Olympic medals, world records, maybe it is easier for a kid to run than to play tennis. Because in tennis you have to buy shoes, rackets, be a member of a club, have a coach to practice with. So it is more difficult for a Moroccan to play tennis than to play football or running. We never had any support from the government or the sports ministry. It is the parents who helped us and gave us the chance to reach a higher level. We had results when we were young and we were given chances to continue. I saw many kids in Morocco between 10 and 12 play very well in tennis. But when they are 14, school becomes more serious; then they either have to stop or choose tennis. And it is a difficult choice. There is not a system of sports and studies at the same time like elsewhere.

KARIM ALAMI: Lendl, but my game has nothing to do with his. I like very much Noah, Becker and Lendl, the three players with most personality. Lendl was a serious machine, he never missed a match. NNoah was a very mixed game. Becker was class on the court, super shots, very physical.

KARIM ALAMI: Quite often, yes, I was compared to him, but I would be happy with half of what he has done.

KARIM ALAMI: The day I won't be able to impose my game I will stop playing tennis. This is how my game is. I attack. I enjoy it that way. Sometimes it doesn't work. By imposing an aggressive game I please myself. I can have a great fun on the court. I can try very different shots. Many things that are unusual. I don't have a strict game like a Spanish player. I need to do a bit of everything.

KARIM ALAMI: No doubt that with Krajicek there will not be long rallies.

KARIM ALAMI: Yes, I know. I am just mentioning Krajicek like that. We adapt to the player we have across the net. If you have to stay on the baseline you get bored; you do not please yourself, but if it is necessary for winning, you do what you have to. You can do it for two hours.

KARIM ALAMI: Yes, I must do what I have to win. I must impose my game and that should be all right.

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