AUSTRALIAN OPEN
Date: 2009-01-19

AUSTRALIAN OPEN

January 19, 2009

Marcos Baghdatis
MELBOURNE, VICTORIA
M. BAGHDATIS/J. Benneteau
6-3, 7-6, 6-2

The Moderator Questions, please.

Question What are your thoughts on the match?
Marcos Baghdatis: Tough conditions. Didn't play my best tennis, but I'm happy I went through. That's a nice first round to have in those tough conditions, 2 hours 40 under the sun.
It's a good way to start the tournament.

Question You've played here a little bit. Is that some of the toughest you've experienced here?
Marcos Baghdatis: Yes, one of the maybe third toughest, yeah.

Question Anything in particular that you found hard or different?
Marcos Baghdatis: The sun was very hard. You're talking about Benneteau or the conditions?

Question The conditions.
Marcos Baghdatis: Because I played Benneteau three times.
So, no, the conditions, the sun, the sun, it's just very strong. Just even being out there, you cannot breathe. I just want to, you know, puke. But I'm happy I went through, so...

Question You escaped a pretty tight one, then?
Marcos Baghdatis: Exactly.

Question How was your serving today?
Marcos Baghdatis: Not so good, but I don't really care. I'm happy I went through. I have one day to work on it tomorrow. I'll try to work on it and get better.
I cannot be perfect every day. I think I need some matches. I'm confident. I think I'll take day by day and work hard. I think my serve will come one day.

Question You say this is the third toughest conditions you've played in. What was the first toughest?
Marcos Baghdatis: Stepanek 2006.

Question You always have the crowd, the loyal supporters. How much do they bring to it?
Marcos Baghdatis: A lot. I mean, they help you get through tough moments. One more time that's what they did today. They were there. They helped me get through this tough moment.