Marat Safin Match Quotations

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.

In my position, I think it's enough, ... If I didn't have a sore knee, I would go to New Haven (for next week's tournament) and try to get the rhythm back and try to get the confidence before the U.S. Open. In my position, I have to think about my knee and how many matches I have, so it will be OK for the U.S. Open.

It was a very, very good match and I am happy to have won a five-setter.

I tried to be as aggressive as I can and try to get into the match very quickly,

But it was still a great match. I don't know the last time I played such great tennis. It was probably my best match ever on grass.

I didn't practice for one month and a half and I played three matches in a row and today I felt really, really tired on the court. I couldn't move properly and I couldn't find my game. My timing was not there. So it's really difficult to play against any player.

I am happy. I mean, playing Fabrice is not so nice for me... he was leading 7-1 in matches we'd played, so I am happy to be back and to win.

I am going to try to play New Haven probably because I need to play a couple more matches to get used to it, work on my fitness and get my rhythm back.

I'm taking this tournament very seriously and in this sort of match you have to take your opportunities when they come.

I think the crowd should get a video cassette of this match because it was a classic,

He played really well and his game caught me off guard a bit. But I was expecting him to give me a tough match because the French always raise their game when they're playing at home in Davis Cup.