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AUSTRALIAN OPEN


January 18, 2012


Alexandr Dolgopolov


MELBOURNE, VICTORIA

A. DOLGOPOLOV/T. Kamke
4‑6, 6‑1, 6‑1, 3‑6, 8‑6


THE MODERATOR:  Questions, please.

Q.  How are you feeling?  Two five‑set matches.  How are the energy levels?
ALEXANDR DOLGOPOLOV:  Well, physically I feel fine.  You know, I was pretty much concerned from the first match.  I wasn't feeling good a bit health‑wise.
First set today I was feeling also a bit tough, and then I got better and better.  It's been in the shade and not so hot.  Was feeling, I mean, better.  So I was happy with that.
Yeah, happy to be in the next round.

Q.  Was it simply the heat or was there an illness or anything like that?
ALEXANDR DOLGOPOLOV:  I don't really know, you know.  I do have a bit of a blood condition, and I don't know if it's that.
I didn't want to check it on the tournament, you know.  I will just do that when I come back home.  I will just have to deal with it and try to play my best.

Q.  Obviously a tight five‑setter, 8‑6.  Confident the fact that you're able to get through that?
ALEXANDR DOLGOPOLOV:  Yeah, I think I played a pretty good game.  It was up and down a bit, but he played also some unbelievable shots.  He was playing very well.
I can't say‑‑ I mean, the first set wasn't too good for me.  I made a lot of unforced errors, but practically [sic], I mean, I played pretty well in the match.  I'm happy with that and happy with the physical level I showed.
So all was good.

Q.  You have Bernard next match.  You've played him three times.  Where do you see him at the moment?
ALEXANDR DOLGOPOLOV:  Well, I think he's improved from last year, that's for sure.
He had two tight matches, as well.  I think it will be tough, you know, if he plays well.  But as you said, I won all the three times, so that will give me a bit of confidence.  For sure I know how to play him.
Yeah, depends how I'm going to be feeling what day it's gonna be a tight match.  The best player on that day will win.

Q.  What is the key to beating him?
ALEXANDR DOLGOPOLOV:  I think I'll have to show my game instead of going into his.  He varies a bit.  He plays all around the court, tries to break up your rhythm.
If I can be aggressive, you know, and always control the points, try to hit a lot of winners, for sure.  Yeah, that's pretty much it.

Q.  Night match?  Would you prefer a night game?
ALEXANDR DOLGOPOLOV:  I don't really care.

Q.  Were you surprised by Kamke today?
ALEXANDR DOLGOPOLOV:  Not really.  I think I know how he plays.  I have seen him for two or three years now on challenger level on ATP.  He's a good player.  You know, he can play really well sometimes, and sometimes he loses his level.
I think today he was playing very well.  I had to show, you know, one of my best tennis and to beat him.  I know how he plays.  He has powerful shots and comes in and makes a lot of winners, so just try to hold on there.

FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports




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