REPUBLIC NATIONAL MONTE CARLO OPEN

April 21, 1999

Sebastien Grosjean

ATP: Questions, please.

SEBASTIEN GROSJEAN: It was an uneven match. It was very difficult, given the conditions. The balls were very heavy and we had to hit hard to hit a winner. I tried not to give him any free points, and I worked well because he was making the mistakes.

SEBASTIEN GROSJEAN: No, but I played well. It was not a very good match.

SEBASTIEN GROSJEAN: Yes, that was difficult. But I knew I was going to play outdoors. We warmed up several times. Once on the court, it was okay.

SEBASTIEN GROSJEAN: Yes, I was surprised. It was 2-1 and 3-1. I had a double break. I succeeded in keeping my serve, holding my serve. The first set was more difficult. We broke each other all the time. But the second set, I served a lot better.

SEBASTIEN GROSJEAN: Physically, it was very difficult because you had to hit very hard the ball if you wanted to hit a winner. You had to feel good physically to play long rallies.

SEBASTIEN GROSJEAN: Yes, I'm ready. I have a good feeling on the court. I didn't rest a lot, but now I feel I want to play. After Rome and after playing two tournaments in the United States, I will have a week break before the French Open.

SEBASTIEN GROSJEAN: It's going to be difficult because he serves very well. Everything will depend on his serve. I will have to hit hard. I will have to feel good physically, to return well, make him hit some shots before the end of the rally. It's going to be difficult because he serves well. It's going to be a good match, I think.

SEBASTIEN GROSJEAN: Of course.

SEBASTIEN GROSJEAN: Yes, I saw the match on an Italian channel because I didn't have Canal+. It was not a very good match and we were a bit lucky in the end.