Here are some pre-Dubai extracts from press conferences of leading players ;D ;D All from
www.inside-tennis.comFederer Press Conference Here are some of the things defending champion Roger Federer had to say ahead of the defence of his title here at the Dubai Duty Free Championships.
"The draw is tough, especially first round against Stan. It's been nice to have some time off to rest and get ready, hopefully it will pay off. I've had some great results on hard courts over the last year, so I hope I can keep it up."
"I like the climate here, it normally does not rain (laughter). I like the city, the people are very friendly. The climate is beautiful too."
His thoughts on the final of the Australian Open; "Thought i played very carefully in the beginning to see how he would cope with the pressure, but he played very well. He was the better player for a set and a half, and I wasn't aggressive enough."
His thoughts on the year ahead; "I will take it match by match, tournament by tournament. My priority is to protect my number 1 ranking, win Wimbledon and also the French. Anyone who knows me will know how much the French means to me as I have not yet won it."
On Hingis; "Her comeback means a lot to herself and tennis. She has always been a role model for kids in Switzerland. I have no doubt she will be highly ranked at the end of the year. I wrote to her to say I was happy that she is back."
Did he miss Marat Safin? "Miss is the wrong word. Not like missing your grilfriend (laughter). I am happy to see him back healthy, as I am happy to see Andre and Raphael back also." How will he relax in Dubai? "I will relax on the beach and go shopping."
By Andre Jones (in Dubai)
Agassi Press Conference Andre Agassi has given a press conference ahead of his campaign here at the Dubai Duty Free Championships. Here are some of his comments;
On going to Dubai instead of Las Vegas; " the tournament is something like 3 minutes walk from my home, so calling it local is an understatement. It moved from Scottsdale late last year, but i'd already committed myself to coming back to Dubai."
Fitness; "I still push myself as hard as I can until I know I'm playing my best tennis. I have to be patient and committed, and persevere through that process."
"I played Delray which was a quick reminder of how difficult what we do is. I needed another cortisone injection after that, my first since L A last summer. I did not recover in time for San Jose which is why I pulled out."
Clay court season; "I will skip it and prepare early for grass. It is part of my long-term preservation plan. Clay has been tough on my body and I don't feel realistically that I can compete with the guys that specialise on it anymore."
"I will use that time to make myself stronger. Playing Davis Cup might be an option if I feel I can be useful. If my team and my peers can accept me on a case by case basis, then it would be an honour to take part. I can't expect that from them, but I don't have the luxury of giving energy that I don't have."
On Dubai being a Tier II; "they deserve a great event here. Putting up the prize money will be an added excuse to travel half way round the world to come here."
Coaching after tennis? "I'd always be motivated to help the sport anyway I can. I admire the good coaches out there, but would not want to undermine what they do by thinking I could do it any better."
Leisure time in Dubai; "I enjoyed playing with the national bird today - the falcon! I love the beaches, good food, and just looking around."
By Andre Jones (in Dubai)
Nadal Press Conference Here are some of the things Rafael Nadal had to say as he prepares to play here in Dubai; "This is one of the best tournaments, unbelievable players are here. This is good for Dubai, and good for tennis."
"Federer is unbelievabe, best player now, one of the best in history. He is so far ahead of everyone now."
"I feel good. Not yet at my best level after 3 months away. The matches in Marseilles helped me build up my confidence. Now every tournament is important."
"I always play 100%, but i feel good now, and i'm playing good"
"I have new shoes, not the final version. It's not perfect, there are a few more details they need to work on."
"I have a difficult match with Mathieu first round. Had a difficult match with him in Marseilles." His response to the news that prize money for next year will go up 50% to $1,500,000. "Good! It is better! This is the biggest tournament apart from Masters Series and Grand Slam, no?"
By Andre Jones (in Dubai)
We never had 2 threads for the same tournament when Marat was playing... Usually, cheering for the others players we like was done in that othre thread too and as Marat takes priority over other players here there was never a problem with getting too off topic. And we have the threads of the others players in this part of the board too....
Dreams unwind but still it's a state of mind,..I know - Dreams unwind but still it's hard to find - Stevie Nicks...“Marat Safin is a self-tortured genius. He's off the wall with tremendous physical talent. “John Mc Enroe