Marat Safin Bit Quotations

I was ill the last two days. I was still a bit weak. I wasn't ready for this.

I think he had quite bad losses, for example, in the Davis Cup against us...He was supposed to be in the Top 10. I think it's a little bit a pity because he's quite talented guy. But he can be there, but he needs to be more brave, that's for sure.

That's the situation I am right now, I cannot ask for too much of myself. I have to think a little bit more about my knee.

I was missing a little bit of energy. I got sick two, three days ago, and I'm still a little bit weak.

I've played him many times, six times, but the way he is playing this year, with confidence, to beat him will be very tough. A little bit of luck would be great.

Also, I got older a little bit. I have more experience so I know what to do. I've just tried to be a little bit more focused in what I'm doing, and it's working.

I took a risk to come here and start a bit early to prepare for the U.S. Open. I?m praying to God so I will be healthy and will be able to play good tennis in the U.S. Open.

It was little bit too late to come back in the second set. I was missing a lot on baseline, my serve was not there.

In the second set I was a little bit nervous because, I was playing too good, and I almost lost the second set. It's a little bit too early to say that I'm getting closer to my best shape. But at least I'm fighting.

The first set was a bit tough because I hadn't played a match for six months. You are unable to decide where you have to move, when you have to go to the net, whether to put pressure or stay back. I was a bit lost and tense because I knew that I had a chance.