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Quote machine: 2009 Australian Open, Day 5


 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 15:13

Alisa Kleybanova on her feelings during the match
It was so exciting to be out there. Just the moments that we train every day, we work hard and, you know, we live our life to be there and to play on this court, and for all those people that came to watch. Just the feelings that you get out there was amazing today.
Im so happy and excited about it. It was just so great for me today.

Novak Djokovic on adapting to his new tennis racket
Its quite different. I have changed racquets in past, but when I was a junior. The level of play is really its different from a professional level.
As the third player of the world, of course the defending champion here, it was a pretty risky move. But I already decided to do that, so I take the responsibility and I just move on.
I think I found a good rhythm and good feel with the racket. Hopefully its going to stay that way.

Marat Safin on the memories he will take away from this tournament
I had some ups and downs here. One disappointment. Another great year. One final against Roger. And then one title I took here beating also Roger and Hewitt. So Ive been playing some great tennis. So just the whole thing, the whole setup. The beautiful city, great people.
The crowd is always friendly. Go around in the city and they just love tennis. They live with tennis. They really enjoy it and appreciate what you are doing. Thats what makes it special. Its really very sports-people living here. Its always nice to come here every year, year after year. Unfortunately, I doubt its going to ever happen again.

Marin Cilic on if he sees Juan Martin del Potro as a long?term rival
Yeah, for sure, I think he has a good all-around game. Doesnt spend too much energy when hes playing. He has a huge serve, which helps him to win easier and comfortable with the points. So I think hes gonna be there, stick around in the future, too.

Amer Delic on the confidence of knowing that he can play better than what his ranking suggests
Absolutely. But at the same time, you know, I had zero pressure out there. Here I am, in the third round of the Australian Open playing on one of the biggest stages in the world on Rod Laver Arena. You have the crowd behind you, its fun. Nothing to lose.

Jelena Dokic on if she feels that her country has forgiven her
It feels like it when Im out there, because the support a tremendous. Its just almost to me, its a little bit too much and too loud at times. Its amazing that so many people are there. Even when I go on change of ends to sit down, people are screaming behind my back. Its really absolutely amazing.
But I was so young. I wish I could change that, but I cant. I feel like things have kind of started to go in the right way. Hopefully we can keep it going.

Ana Ivanovic on the search for a new coach
No, unfortunately. No one has experienced anything like this. Im looking for a coach. We have already chat with a couple potential coaches. In the near future, I really would like to make a decision. I think its important.
Also, without a coach for so long its a little bit tough. You just need some direction sometimes. Thats something I felt was missing in my game. Already for a while were trying to look into some good possibilities.
Obviously, its a hard one, so I want to make sure we get the right coach.

Andy Roddick on the sentimental end to a four-set victory with Fabrice Santoro
Yeah, I dont know if I was aware of that record. I think they said he played the most in the Open era. Thats pretty impressive. Im surprised not more has been made of that. I wasnt aware until afterwards. I think it was pretty classy of Craig Tiley to organise that.

Fabrice Santoro on the memories he will take away from the Australian Open
Probably five of my best 10 memories in 20 years of career. With the Davis Cup final here in 2001, three double finals, and one quarter-final in 2006. Those five memories will stay forever in my mind.
This year I lost third round. But at my age, being 36 and going to the third round, without a good draw because I beat Ferrero and Kohlschreiber who are top-class players its a great achievement for me.

Juan Martin del Potro on how good he thinks he could be
Well, dont know what can I do. Im top 10 right now, but I want to be many years in the top.

Jelena Jankovic on having hot feet
It was very warm out there. The court is so hot, and also the soles of my shoes are very hot as well. Its normal for it to be I feel like Im on fire, you know.
So every time I had a chance, I took my shoes off to cool off. Thats basically it.

Dinara Safina on if she sees brother Marat a lot during the tournament
We do live in the same hotel, yeah, but were not sleeping in the same room (laughter).

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.