TMS - THE ERICSSON OPEN

March 28, 2000

Greg Rusedski

ATP: Questions.

GREG RUSEDSKI: Well, I thought Pete played very well tonight. I think for about a set and a half, he didn't make any unforced. I felt I played better than I did in Scottsdale, even though I lost 3-3 today. What else can I say? He was too good.

GREG RUSEDSKI: Well, I think if his body holds up, he is. I think the key for him is just trying to get physically fit and feel better. I think for a set and a half, I didn't really have too many chances. He was serving the corners extremely well. You know, I felt like things were getting better, but I still need room to improve and be more aggressive. In the second set, I got more aggressive on the returns. First three games, I think I pushed him pretty well. Then the one service game, I made two unforced errors, one of them being a double-fault. That's all he needs.

GREG RUSEDSKI: He returned very well, hit some great passing shots. That's why he's considered the best or one of the best ever to play the game. You don't win six Wimbledons by fluke and six years at No. 1. You've got to do something right. I think after his performance where he had such a tough match, he really wanted to come out and play well. That's what he did tonight.

GREG RUSEDSKI: I think for about a set and a half, I don't think anybody would have beaten him.

GREG RUSEDSKI: Even Andre. It's a different game with Andre, though. Andre is going to stay back. He's not going to give him a target. Pete was serving and striking the ball beautifully for a set and a half. If you take Andre at his best or Pete at his best, I'd say Pete every time except for on clay.

GREG RUSEDSKI: I think that's the best he's played against me. I have nothing to be ashamed of. I'm on my road to going in the right direction still. I think it's improving. I've had some tough draws - Kafelnikov twice, Sampras twice; Mirnyi was the only opportunity I had, which was Indian Wells, only time I felt like I had an opportunity and didn't take it. So far I'm reasonably satisfied with the way things have been going.

GREG RUSEDSKI: I don't know. I think I'm preparing throughout the year trying to get physically stronger, get my movement, to get everything in. I think my goal now is to get ready for French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open - for the Slams. I think the preparation on the clay is good for the sliding and the movement. If you can serve-and-volley well on the clay, then when it comes to grass, it's a lot easier. I'm just looking forward to that.

GREG RUSEDSKI: Yeah, I do. Realistically I'm not going to go out and win the French championships. I think you can get pretty good odds on me winning the French Open. I think you get a thousand to one.

GREG RUSEDSKI: Not even on the board. Whatever it is, it's pretty low. I just use it as a preparation. I can play well there, but to win it is quite demanding.

GREG RUSEDSKI: No, I don't. I just work on the clay and try to play well there. I think you can play well on the clay. I think quarters or semis. I haven't seen a serve and volleyer win it in years.

GREG RUSEDSKI: Well, whenever I served really hard to Pete, he seemed to block it in my feet. When I got broken that first game, I had like three half volleys at the bottom of my feet. Then I tried to mix it up a little bit. I think where I made a mistake in the second set was I kicked a few too many to his forehand and he got a rhythm on it. If I would have mixed it up a little bit more, then I might have been able to keep holding my serve. With Pete, you have to mix them. If you come hard all the time with them, he's very dangerous and he gets that good block low on your feet and you have a tough half volley to hit.

GREG RUSEDSKI: Well, I'll make you soon. How is that? Sooner than later.

GREG RUSEDSKI: Before the draw, how is that?

GREG RUSEDSKI: Yes.

GREG RUSEDSKI: I'll release it and let you guys know. I promise.

GREG RUSEDSKI: Fran will do it and sort it out. It will be great. Just stay positive, guys, okay (laughter)?

GREG RUSEDSKI: No, I won't be leaving the country, so don't worry about it.

GREG RUSEDSKI: The mystery? Go pick up some English newspapers and you'll find out the mystery (laughter).

GREG RUSEDSKI: Yeah, I've seen Roger. Roger has been at most practice sessions, been around watching the tennis. I've had amicable chats with him and Jeremy while they're down. Just social chats.

GREG RUSEDSKI: Well, it's nearly over, okay? Let's leave it at that, okay?

GREG RUSEDSKI: Probably while you're in the air (laughter). What time does the flight leave at?

GREG RUSEDSKI: Yeah, I think I'm going in the right direction. I got more aggressive in the second set. I think at some stages I played really well. It's really hard to tell against someone who is playing that well. I mean, I still have to raise my game, let's put it that way, to compete with Sampras, Kafelnikov and Agassi's of the world. I think my best chance was to beat Kafelnikov in Rotterdam. I think that was a great opportunity. The other matches I had with Sampras, once with Kafelnikov, I felt like they were the better players in those three matches.

GREG RUSEDSKI: I think it's quite fascinating. I think there's a few players who can win it. If Pete's back holds up, I think he's definitely the favorite. If his physical body can take him through the whole thing. Andre played very well today against Rafter. But, I mean, Henman played pretty well against Rios. It should be interesting. I think those three guys have the best chance at the tournament.

GREG RUSEDSKI: I think he's phenomenal. I think Hewitt will probably get through to the semis. I think he'll probably beat Gambill, in my assessment. He'll probably play Sampras, which will be tough for him to win. You know, he's a great fighter. He gives a hundred percent. I've never seen anybody with so much energy in my life. I mean, he's like a jumping bean. He's got great energy, focus. He reminds me a little of Jimmy Connors with his attitude. He's very good.

GREG RUSEDSKI: I think he's a great player. He hasn't had a good year so far. He's beaten Norman, he's beaten Philippoussis. He's beaten a lot of solid players. I think he's finally putting it back together again. It's great to see.