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.

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

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'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.