US OPEN

September 3, 1997

Richard Krajicek

Q. How much of a factor was the wind out there?

RICHARD KRAJICEK: You noticed it, of course, a lot. But, yeah, you both play with the wind. I got the first break right away the first game. Instead of consolidating, I gave it all on a silver platter to him. I missed two easy volleys. I don't know. Of course, you miss it a little bit because of the wind. I think if I was just a little bit sharper, then I wouldn't have missed that. That was already an indication for the rest of the match for me. I look at it afterward, that's basically where disaster started.

RICHARD KRAJICEK: Today is a tough day to judge, because there's so much wind. He makes a couple of returns, and before he didn't make too many returns. Still has got a good serve. His volley has improved also a little bit. But, yeah, today is a tough day to judge how much he really improved, because there's a lot of wind. Nobody could play at their best game.

RICHARD KRAJICEK: No, basically on the right side of the umpire, you had a strong wind in your back, went a little bit to the right. But basically one wind. Picked up. Sometimes it was stronger than other times. Wasn't too swirly, actually. It's difficult, you know. One side you touch the ball and it flies. Other side, you want to hit it, doesn't even reach the net.

RICHARD KRAJICEK: Sorry?

RICHARD KRAJICEK: Yeah. I mean, he hits two backhands in a row. Don't see that too often from him. It was a shame. I had a good serve. He had unbelievable return. Then he come over to pass. It was a shame. Got a little tight obviously at 5-4. I win both points on his serve. This was my chance, suddenly from him being so close to winning, to take it to a fourth set. Probably will be a little bit discouraged, jump on him right away in the fourth set. Afterwards, maybe should have served to the forehand. I think I served a good first serve. He just came up with a big return.