TMS MONTE CARLO

April 21, 2000

Cedric Pioline

Q. Did you know you were able to play in such a consistent manner during a whole match?

CEDRIC PIOLINE: Yes, but it has been a long time I didn't do it. Today it was really very good. Almost from the beginning to the end I did what I wanted to do. I was able to react to any type of shot he had and I was able to accelerate when it was necessary. I am really very pleased.

CEDRIC PIOLINE: Do you mean that I played like that?

CEDRIC PIOLINE: Physically I am pleased. I had a long match yesterday and we never know how we are going to react afterwards. Besides, I have experience. But yesterday I didn't play like I wanted to and he played a good match on his side. I tried to use that lesson to be more present; not to let my opponent get ahead today and to hold on to the match. What I wanted to do before I was able to do it today. It is all the most pleasant.

CEDRIC PIOLINE: I had pasta with artichokes and a glass of Chianti.

CEDRIC PIOLINE: Yes, you must be reasonable.

CEDRIC PIOLINE: The match was not very long today. But on the other hand, it means many efforts. So I will have a massage to recuperate but normally. I am -- of course I am less tired than a match like -- than after a match like yesterday. In fact, it is a head-to-head. The others are not there. You could say whatever you want.

CEDRIC PIOLINE: For this particular match, apart from the breakpoint I didn't make in the second set, I couldn't do much better. We always want to do better, but compared to the opponent I had and the conditions that were very good, I did well. I don't see what I could have done more today. I am pleased.

CEDRIC PIOLINE: I felt a bit heavy, but my racket was -- my shots were there.

CEDRIC PIOLINE: Of course, if you are not close enough to the ball it is not enough, I agree, especially with a player like him.

CEDRIC PIOLINE: I believe he played well, but I also believed I played better than him. Therefore, it was difficult for him. Each time he had opportunities I was able to counterattack. Each time he let go I was present.

CEDRIC PIOLINE: This is specifically what has to be mentioned. I was able to hold on the match from the beginning to the end. I was fearing a little bit to play against him. He is not easy to maneuver. I had practiced with him before the tournament and he really gave me a good correction so I was a bit afraid.

CEDRIC PIOLINE: I don't know what is going to happen. The match is not predictable yet. It might go into three sets.

CEDRIC PIOLINE: In their own style they are good, both of them. Costa is maybe a little bit more solid but I don't know if he will win. The main thing for me is to remain concentrated.

CEDRIC PIOLINE: Yes, maybe.

CEDRIC PIOLINE: It is difficult to compare. But it is true that I am playing well. I have a good level on clay. I have to continue in the same direction. I have to monitor my program to make sure I recuperate after my efforts and to make sure I will be ready for the French Open. It is a good thing to have good feelings from the start, but it is true I have really a good level right now.

CEDRIC PIOLINE: I tried to take care of the beginning of the match. It is true that we are trying to improve different things and this is one thing among the others. Sometimes it comes immediately. Sometimes not. I try also to watch what other players do, like Kuerten, he is a good player on clay. He is very light. He is impressive.

CEDRIC PIOLINE: Well said. Yes, yes, this is true.

CEDRIC PIOLINE: It is true that for the clay court season we believed we had to correct a certain number of things. It is the basics of clay court. We play more shots so if you are not able to move well, it becomes difficult. So this was the optic for this season 2000.

CEDRIC PIOLINE: It didn't start in Brazil because it was a bit short. I started my preparation two or three weeks ago.

CEDRIC PIOLINE: I saw on TV that he was there in the restaurant.

CEDRIC PIOLINE: He is part of those people who make noise while they are eating, hitting with their forks and knives and things.

CEDRIC PIOLINE: Yes, everything happens.

CEDRIC PIOLINE: No, I didn't see him.