[Vladimir Poutine]

Originally Posted by GeorgeWHitler

Rios show these guys the true respect.

1999 U.S. OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
Flushing Meadows, New York

M. RIOS/M. Damm

6-4, 7-6, 3-6, 5-7, 6-1

An interview with:

MARCELO RIOS

USTA: Questions.

Q. It was a tough match. What happened?

MARCELO RIOS: He played pretty good. I slowed down my game a little bit, but like I say, I'm not hitting very good the ball. He's played really nice to win like that.

Q. Who were your childhood heroes?

MARCELO RIOS: What is that?

Q. Who were your childhood heroes?

MARCELO RIOS: I don't understand what you say.

Q. People you admired when you were growing up?

MARCELO RIOS: Nobody.

Q. What are your hobbies and interests?

MARCELO RIOS: Nothing.

Q. What is your greatest sports moment?

MARCELO RIOS: I don't remember, man.

Q. Come on.

MARCELO RIOS: What do you want me to tell you?

Q. Just answer the questions.

MARCELO RIOS: Don't ask me questions like that.

Q. What's your favorite movies?

MARCELO RIOS: (No response.)

[Marc Rosset is Tall]

Q. You trained in Valencia with Juan Carlos, right?

MARAT SAFIN: Not exactly.


Q. Not exactly?

MARAT SAFIN: Not exactly. One is from the same place, but different cities. I would live like around 60 miles away from each other.


Q. You know him pretty well?

MARAT SAFIN: Yeah, yeah. We been playing, I mean, we been traveling together in the same tournaments since we are 14.


Q. He doesn't seem to be a particularly popular champion here in the States. He's not in this tournament, but do you have any idea why that might be?

MARAT SAFIN: Who, Ferrero?


Q. Yes.

MARAT SAFIN: You asking me why Ferrero is not popular in Miami or in USA?


Q. USA.

MARAT SAFIN: Because, guys, I think that you have your own players and you like very much your players, the American ones. Nobody really cares about the Spanish players, especially here. Nobody cares about it.

Exactly also for the players from other countries. At least there is a lot of people, they know only Agassi, Roddick and Blake. I think it's normal.

Also, he is not also popular in Russia. Nobody knows him. Nobody cares about him. The people from Europe, yes, they know him, because he's traveling and he's playing in Europe.


Q. There have been players from Europe who have been very popular here ‑ Becker, Edberg. Do you think he hasn't won enough, or is it his style of play, his demeanor on the court?

MARAT SAFIN: We are talking about little bit different things. For all the respect for Ferrero and a lot of other guys, including me, who didn't achieve the same things as Stefan Edberg and Boris Becker. So this is probably the main reason.

Also, you have to see that lately, nobody should know - I cannot even watch tennis on TV. Nobody shows tennis. And the way they show, there is some matches that nobody cares about them, so who's gonna watch? So how do you want to promote the players? How the people, they gonna understand who is who? They don't know who is who and they don't really care who is who because it's not interesting, because it's boring, and because you cannot even see them on TV.


Q. I guess I would still argue that you won one Slam; Juan Carlos has won one Slam.

MARAT SAFIN: Yeah. But, sorry, where you can see me on TV in the United States? Where? You think that they really care about Safin in a match in Indian Wells first round? Nobody cares.

For the same reason. Tennis is so - they don't promote it very well. They don't get enough hours to show on TV because it's not entertaining anymore. That's the main reason. That's the main reason that the people like us, like Ferrero, Federer and Safin and Roddick - okay, Roddick, because he is American, but normally, nobody really knows the players and not really interested to watch these kind of matches.


Q. So it's the media's fault?

MARAT SAFIN: I don't know who's fault but definitely not mine. It's somebody who has to deal with - for example, here's a person from ATP. You can blame them for that, for not promoting the tennis the way it should be promoted and not getting enough hours on the TV. It has to be either certain hours, so at least the people can see sometimes tennis.


Q. I guess I would still argue...

MARAT SAFIN: Yeah, it's okay, you can argue. You don't have to tell me.


Q. You're more popular than a Ferrero. Spanish players in general have never been that popular, if you go back, in the States.

MARAT SAFIN: And? What's your point?


Q. I don't know.

MARAT SAFIN: But make your point. You don't know.


Q. Just wondering why. You lived in Spain. Is it something about...

MARAT SAFIN: It's nothing in particular about Spanish players. I mean, the Spanish players, they are quiet, famous enough in Europe. Maybe because their tennis is not really unbelievably attractive, could be one of the reasons. Could be.

But also, everybody has different character. But this kind of character that the Spanish people have, maybe they're not - the people from the States don't like it; they want to see something else. They want to see like maybe a John McEnroe, they want to see Boris Becker, or they want to see big names, more interesting game. They want to see little bit serve and volley and some nice shots. You cannot see that from the Spanish players. Could be this is the reason.

I'm not taking away the achievements they had for the last past - a lot of like, 10 years. Spanish tennis grew up a little bit - quite a lot actually - they have already 10 players in the Top 100. But somehow it's not that attractive for the people. Not for me, I don't really care.

But for me, they are tough opponents, but we are not talking about the issue. That's not the issue. It's about how attractive really is it or not.


Q. Do you like to watch the Spanish play?

MARAT SAFIN: I will not even watch tennis if I'm not playing. I had enough with my own problems, and I have enough with my own tennis. I won't go to see the match of... I don't know...


Q. Why did you choose Estoril for the clay court season instead of Valencia?

MARAT SAFIN: Well, because the people from Estoril, they wanted more than the people from Valencia.

I don't know. I choose it. It is my decision that I actually choose Estoril because it's - I don't know - it's nice place. Nice people. They always treated me well there, even though that I didn't play really well. And they want still me to come back and come back.

So I have to give them - at least I feel like I have to try my best, you know, to improve my game there and to show the people that if I am coming there I want to play and I want to win the tournament. Because really I am coming for - it's gonna be my fourth time there, and the maximum I got is quarterfinals. I definitely can do better than that.

It's also great preparation for me to, you know, to get the confidence, get the confidence and move on to the clay court season. It's a great, great, great tournament and great people. That's why main reason I am going there.


Q. What are your expectations with the European clay court season coming up?

MARAT SAFIN: It's difficult. Is one of the most difficult months that we have, because we have three Masters Series almost like in a row. So it's really difficult because the schedule is not really great for the players.

Because we have no time to rest and to get ready for another Masters Series. So basically you play Monte Carlo, you have Barcelona, you have Rome, Hamburg, and you are already end up in Roland Garros. So it's also too much frustrates for the players. It's really difficult to get focus on every particular tournament during this months because everything comes together. That's a little bit difficult, so you have to be mentally prepared.


Q. You were just talking about Andre before. Can you imagine playing as long as he is playing?

MARAT SAFIN: No. No.


Q. Why do you think he's having such success?

MARAT SAFIN: Because it's not like because he is Andre Agassi and he's the best of all times, blah-blah-blee, blah, blah, blah, I can move on like this for a long time. Just because he loves tennis, he feels like playing, he's really enjoying it, even at the age of 33 years old, and he's playing since he's 16. So calculate how many years he's on the tour. Still, to be in love with tennis as he is, I don't think that there are many players - you cannot even count on one hand, not many players like this that will stay for a long time and really enjoys tennis and gives his best and try and try and try every year and be fit like he is fit, and beating most of the guys quite easily.

And even when he loses, he still continues to play and still continues to work. And he is a great professional athlete.

But, in my case, I don't think I'll be able to play against - till the age of 34 because it's my character. But his character is completely different than most of the people. That's why he's one of the million.

[sigmagirl91]

Ah, that Safin. He never pulls punches, does he?

[Marc Rosset is Tall]

Originally Posted by rassklovn

Goran Ivanisevic

Q. Woodforde was in here. He said that you have a serve and not much else. He wouldn't pay to watch you play tennis. What are your views on his comment?

GORAN IVANISEVIC: I don't know, he once -- he doesn't like me too much. He wanted to hit me today with this ball. Actually he hit me and he didn't say sorry, but he said once he is better player than me, but I don't see how, the way he is, the way his game is, man, it is very tough to watch. I think it is time for him to retire singles. In doubles, he is still good, because he still can cover half the court, but he looks very poor at the court. Pretty old, can't move, with that shitty backhand you can't beat anybody. If I have son, just show Woodforde picture, you can't play tennis like him otherwise, man --

Q. Apart from that, what is it between you?

GORAN IVANISEVIC: Me and him?

Q. Yeah.

GORAN IVANISEVIC: I don't have nothing against him, but he always talks how bad I am, but you cannot be bad and beat second in the world and Top-10 for six years, and at least he hit me on the purpose, I was at the net. He had straight forehand to me. He had a smash. He could -- I turned my back and he hit me, I don't know, somewhere he hit me, he didn't say sorry. So he hates me. But then I hit an ace after that and that kills him. I see on his face, those guys are poor, they can't do anything and then they hit you, it is a poor thing.

[Marc Rosset is Tall]

Originally Posted by rassklovn

Goran Ivanisevic

Q. Woodforde was in here. He said that you have a serve and not much else. He wouldn't pay to watch you play tennis. What are your views on his comment?

GORAN IVANISEVIC: I don't know, he once -- he doesn't like me too much. He wanted to hit me today with this ball. Actually he hit me and he didn't say sorry, but he said once he is better player than me, but I don't see how, the way he is, the way his game is, man, it is very tough to watch. I think it is time for him to retire singles. In doubles, he is still good, because he still can cover half the court, but he looks very poor at the court. Pretty old, can't move, with that shitty backhand you can't beat anybody. If I have son, just show Woodforde picture, you can't play tennis like him otherwise, man --

Q. Apart from that, what is it between you?

GORAN IVANISEVIC: Me and him?

Q. Yeah.

GORAN IVANISEVIC: I don't have nothing against him, but he always talks how bad I am, but you cannot be bad and beat second in the world and Top-10 for six years, and at least he hit me on the purpose, I was at the net. He had straight forehand to me. He had a smash. He could -- I turned my back and he hit me, I don't know, somewhere he hit me, he didn't say sorry. So he hates me. But then I hit an ace after that and that kills him. I see on his face, those guys are poor, they can't do anything and then they hit you, it is a poor thing.

The tour is a sadder place without Goran's comments.

[WyveN]

more Ivanisevic comments about Woodforde.
This was after 1999 Scottsdale championships, a match that Woodforde won.

Q. Mark said your serve wasn't working and that is why he won. What made the difference today in your mind?

GORAN IVANISEVIC: I didn't have four shots today. Second serve bad. No forehand down-the-line. Bad return and backhand was too risky. And I did a lot of running. I hit only forehand crosscourt, he stand there and made me left right, left right, I was running like idiot. I think myself this is Woodforde I am playing, not Sampras, what is going on? Maybe I need time out because when you lose to Woodforde unless it is doubles, then you look in mirror and ask yourself what is happening, is engine working.

[rue]

Originally Posted by WyveN

I think myself this is Woodforde I am playing, not Sampras, what is going on? Maybe I need time out because when you lose to Woodforde unless it is doubles, then you look in mirror and ask yourself what is happening, is engine working.

Goran is just too funny, especially with this last comment he made.

[Zetlandsk]

Originally Posted by WyveN

Q. Mark said your serve wasn't working and that is why he won. What made the difference today in your mind?

GORAN IVANISEVIC: I didn't have four shots today. Second serve bad. No forehand down-the-line. Bad return and backhand was too risky. And I did a lot of running. I hit only forehand crosscourt, he stand there and made me left right, left right, I was running like idiot. I think myself this is Woodforde I am playing, not Sampras, what is going on? Maybe I need time out because when you lose to Woodforde unless it is doubles, then you look in mirror and ask yourself what is happening, is engine working.

Well another priceless comment from Goran.

[Roger-No.1]

Originally Posted by GeorgeWHitler

Rios show these guys the true respect.

1999 U.S. OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
Flushing Meadows, New York

M. RIOS/M. Damm

6-4, 7-6, 3-6, 5-7, 6-1

An interview with:

MARCELO RIOS

USTA: Questions.

Q. It was a tough match. What happened?

MARCELO RIOS: He played pretty good. I slowed down my game a little bit, but like I say, I'm not hitting very good the ball. He's played really nice to win like that.

Q. Who were your childhood heroes?

MARCELO RIOS: What is that?

Q. Who were your childhood heroes?

MARCELO RIOS: I don't understand what you say.

Q. People you admired when you were growing up?

MARCELO RIOS: Nobody.

Q. What are your hobbies and interests?

MARCELO RIOS: Nothing.

Q. What is your greatest sports moment?

MARCELO RIOS: I don't remember, man.

Q. Come on.

MARCELO RIOS: What do you want me to tell you?

Q. Just answer the questions.

MARCELO RIOS: Don't ask me questions like that.

Q. What's your favorite movies?

MARCELO RIOS: (No response.)

[roisin]

thats brilliant!

[Kristen]

I don't know if the questions are stupid, but the journalists certainly don't get the hint.

Alexander Popp - Day 6
Saturday, June 28, 2003
A. POPP/J. Novak6‑3, 6‑4, 7‑6

Q. Tim Henman could do with some help. Do you mind if we all start pretending you're British again?
ALEXANDER POPP: Well, it's up to you, but obviously I've been playing for Germany the last 26 years and it doesn't look like it's going to change.

Q. Does any part of you feel English for these two weeks when you come to Wimbledon?
ALEXANDER POPP: Well, I feel English a little, of course, because my mom's English and we speak English at home sometimes, and I have a lot of relatives here. So a part of me is English, that's for sure. But I grew up in Germany.

Q. But during this?
ALEXANDER POPP: Well, I feel at home when I'm here. I really like playing in England. I've always played well, even in the smaller tournaments when I was younger. So it must be something about it. But as I already said, I grew up in Germany and it's pretty well sure, for me, that I play for Germany.

Q. You said you played for Germany the last 26 years. Does that mean you're ruling out playing for Britain ever in your life?
ALEXANDER POPP: Yeah (laughter).

Q. Just wanted to clear it up?
ALEXANDER POPP: (smiling).
======
======
======
Alexander Popp - Day 7
Monday, June 30, 2003
A.POPP/O. Rochus 5 7, 6 3, 6 4, 6 2

Q. I know that the boys are talking about the headlines in the German press . You realise that if Henman loses today, you're going to have a lot of headlines in the English press as well. We're going to claim you back. Does that bother you at all? Do you like that?
ALEXANDER POPP: No, doesn't bother me at all. I've told the English press a couple of times that I will play DC for Germany. I think that the show is over.

Q. The only way it might help you is the crowd might give you a bit more support than you might get otherwise?
ALEXANDER POPP: Well, I wouldn't mind that. That would be nice. I mean, I'm half English, and that's all right with me. I'm happy about it. It's just a matter about Davis Cup and the press, but I'm still half English whether I play Davis Cup here or not.


Funny thing is, they didn't go on about wanting him to be English when he lost to Philippoussis

LOL..yeah u got to wonder how some of this journo's got a job....the last think a player wants after a tough match is to be asked stupid questions

[Marc Rosset is Tall]

Originally Posted by WyveN

more Ivanisevic comments about Woodforde.
This was after 1999 Scottsdale championships, a match that Woodforde won.

Q. Mark said your serve wasn't working and that is why he won. What made the difference today in your mind?

GORAN IVANISEVIC: I didn't have four shots today. Second serve bad. No forehand down-the-line. Bad return and backhand was too risky. And I did a lot of running. I hit only forehand crosscourt, he stand there and made me left right, left right, I was running like idiot. I think myself this is Woodforde I am playing, not Sampras, what is going on? Maybe I need time out because when you lose to Woodforde unless it is doubles, then you look in mirror and ask yourself what is happening, is engine working.

[Action Jackson]

I am not that keen on Roddick, but he handled these inane questions very well.

2004 TENNIS MASTERS CUP
HOUSTON, TEXAS

November 13, 2004

ANDY RODDICK

THE MODERATOR: Questions for Andy.

Q. What do you eat before a match?

ANDY RODDICK: Food. You?

Q. Anything in particular?

ANDY RODDICK: Normally just some -- maybe a sandwich and some vegetables, something like that.

Q. Some pasta?

ANDY RODDICK: Sometimes. I don't have a set meal.

Q. How many hours do you eat before a match?

ANDY RODDICK: Couple.

Q. Any comments about Brad's book?

ANDY RODDICK: I haven't read it. No, I'm just playing. I read like the precopy of it. That's for you guys to decide, not me.

Q. You're quoted a lot.

ANDY RODDICK: I just bought the author, so I don't need to worry about reading the book (smiling).

Q. Can I go back a little bit to the Davis Cup. You were talking about the American...

ANDY RODDICK: Why read the book when I hired the coach?

Q. That's a great answer.

ANDY RODDICK: I'll save my $16, you know.

Q. $23.

ANDY RODDICK: You see, even worse. You pay that. I don't have to.

Q. He's more expensive than the book.

ANDY RODDICK: I should have bought the book. It would have been cheaper (smiling

[Action Jackson]

Originally Posted by FryslanBoppe

1996 U.S. OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
Flushing Meadows, New York

August 29, 1996

S. BRUGUERA/M. Stich

6-3, 6-2, 6-4

An interview with:

MICHAEL STICH

Q. What happened?

MICHAEL STICH: Nothing.