ATP Tour World Championship

November 27, 1998

Carlos Moya

Q. Last year it was a very close match. What made a difference?

CARLOS MOYA: Maybe today I was a bit lucky in important moments. But some part of the game, I remembered last year's match. It was not easy for me to escape of those thoughts, you know. But I think today I have been stronger than last year. He was coming back every time from a break down. But to have been stronger, mentally stronger, finally I could win that match.

CARLOS MOYA: Yeah. I was not down at all, even when he was coming back every time. I fought until the death, you know. I had to be like a wall, you know, putting back every ball, because I knew he like to hit for winner. You know, I was there every time. Finally, I could win that match, which I'm very happy.

CARLOS MOYA: Yeah, this year was such a strong group, you know, two finalists were in my group. Kucera, which he's such a talented player. I had to win every match. I had to fight for every ball. You know, nobody gave me anything. I think if I'm in semifinals, it's because I deserve to be there. Now I have to think my next match, which is going to be against Henman, I think. I have to be focused, which I'm very proud, I'm very happy to be in the semifinal.

CARLOS MOYA: It was a really difficult match for both. I felt a bit the pressure when I was serving for the first set, and also in the second set. It's normal to make unforced errors than you used to make because we have to take many risks, to be more aggressive than with you used to be. It's enough not to make any mistake. But maybe in the important moments, I didn't make any, and he made a little bit more.

CARLOS MOYA: Well, I think it's amazing, no, to be up there six years in a row. The way he's been playing here, he's just unbeatable. I hope if I'm in final, I hope he's not going -- I hope I'm not going to meet him or he's going to go down a little bit, otherwise is difficult to play him. I have to care about my next opponent, which is Henman. What I can say is that he's proved he's the best player ever, Sampras, and he's playing amazing.

CARLOS MOYA: Well, as long as he is going to play this level, I think there is no chance. You know, my hope is that he's getting older and he's not going to be there too long. Maybe one day I can become No. 1 if I can hold this level and play as I played today, not at this level, but the way I got to the match. I was very focused. If I can keep that level, to be mentally like I've been today, I think I have chance to beat.

CARLOS MOYA: Beat what?

CARLOS MOYA: Not right now. Maybe next generation. I don't see anyone who can be six years in a row right now No. 1.

CARLOS MOYA: Is going to be difficult one. I came back from difficult moments, difficult situations, so I'm going to give my best, a hundred percent, be really focused. Is a big one tomorrow. In the big moments, I've been there, so I hope I'm going to be there.

CARLOS MOYA: Everybody know him. He's playing really aggressive. He doesn't give you any rhythm. He tries to get to the net very often. I think this is what he's going to try tomorrow. I'm going to do my best, I'm going to try to serve well, which is going to be important, and to improve my return, try to play my game, you know. If I play my game, I think I have chances, but I have to serve well, too.