It is very painful and doctors told me that this injury takes eight days to heal. I have a huge wish to play, but the risk is also very big. I will decide on Friday just before the match.
It is very painful and doctors told me that this injury takes eight days to heal.
I always thought my Olympic bronze medal was the highlight of my career, ... But this is even better.
It was unbelievably difficult. I knew he was serving big and I'd have a really tough time, but the way he returned was impressive. I didn't really expect that. I was expecting many more free points, and he was not giving me any.
Of course it's always a little bit strange playing a guy who you just played with in the Davis Cup -- we won together an Olympic medal, and played last year's Davis Cup. But when you are professionals you know in this type of game and this level we can meet all the time.
It was not his best day. He was missing more than the last two times we played and he gave me a lot of opportunities to play my game. I was aggressive, a lot of times finishing the point at the net.
Today he (Clement) was simply overwhelming.
Today he Clement was simply overwhelming. There was nothing I could do. He was simply too strong for me.
I'm really happy having played four matches extremely well with unbelievable tempo coming into the final. Today I was really flat but I have to take the positive away from the four good matches I played and focus for (next week's Australian Open in) Melbourne.
I've played with a lot of big servers, ... but I've never felt like today, that I really couldn't do anything.
We played in Auckland, just before Auckland, and I lost, 7-6, 7-6, but I also had my chances in that match, so I knew it was going to be tough today, ... I tried to play my game and be as aggressive as I could be.
I am very well prepared, I'm in good physical shape, ... There will be a great atmosphere, it will be a great feeling and we don't want to waste it.
We knew it was going to be a tough match. I'm really satisfied to have beaten Ivan who is certainly with Roger Federer one of the best players in the world at the moment.
I've lost twice against him, ... This is his home and I know there will be lots of people on his side. No matter what, I will have to play a little better in the quarterfinals, but I'm feeling good.
I am not sure people realize how big it is to be at the top of the pyramid.
It was a tough match because Ruben is a clay-court player, ... But I think I was playing very well. I was doing the things I needed to do, playing from the back but also looking to come in.
I felt everything was under my control. It's an unforgettable match and an unforgettable day. This has been a spectacular year for me.
I just tried to be aggressive and play consistent, ... It's been a good year for me so far and it will be even better if I can win tomorrow.
It's always tough to play a friend but apart from that, I consider Ivan to be probably the best player, behind (Roger) Federer, since the indoor season last year. It's a great win and great for my confidence.
I consider Ivan to be probably the best player, behind Federer, since the indoor season last year. It's a great win and great for my confidence. I wasn't expecting to do this well this week, especially after practicing on clay all of last week in Austria.
I lost the opening singles here against Romania in five sets, but I will try to use that experience to my benefit, ... I just hope I get the win on Friday.
I had problems with my serve, but Arnaud really had an answer for everything.
It is by no means over yet. We have an enormous day ahead of us.
I am very, very happy to have earned this first point. The start in a Davis Cup tie is always important and so I am glad we are ahead.
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