Roland Garros
Sunday, May 25, 2008

Interview with David Nalbandian


Q. This game, was it for you the best way to begin Roland Garros, the way you won this game?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: Well, I feel that I can play better, but it's good to win in three sets, not play a lot of games. I think maybe I will win the second set a little easier. I have a lot of break points, a lot of chance.

I could have made it, but I finished at 6‑4, and it was good enough.


Q. Do you know your next opponent, Jeremy Chardy?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: No, I don't.

THE MODERATOR: Questions in Spanish.


Q. The first matches are always important for you. Do you have the feeling that this match was useful? It's good you won in three sets.

DAVID NALBANDIAN: As I said, it's always better to win in three sets than playing for too long. It wasn't my best match, but it helped me play better and better.

Today I played a few good shots, and that's going to help me improve.


Q. How do you feel from a physical standpoint? Any problems with your forearm?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: I am fine. Things evolved day after day after Rome. I'm fine at the moment.


Q. Your look, your hair, there is something...

DAVID NALBANDIAN: I was fed up having my hair cut.


Q. You said you could improve on some points. What are you unhappy about today, or what are you not pleased about today?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: I made mistakes on many breakpoints against real good players, players with whom you need to be more careful. I cannot afford to do these kinds of mistakes anymore.

For the rest, I'm fine.


Q. David, I don't know, but in the draw, Round of 16, you have a good draw, so what we have to look at?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: To take things one day after another when we know what it's like playing in Paris, there are days when the match is played very quickly; others when the court is slower.

So when the more difficult games come up, I have to play my best tennis to try and win, so I have to play each match in order to win. I'm usually the type of player who would win in four to five sets, and I'll try and make the lot out of the opportunities to win as much matches as possible.


Q. So what's your feeling about this tournament? Is it like the other years, or is it more open to competition?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: No, very similar. I can't see any difference. It's probably a bit more difficult, because there are young players coming in, and they are increasingly dangerous.

But I think ‑‑ well, it's quite similar.


Q. Those young players, are those people you know already?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: Well, I mentioned Tsonga, Berdych, Gasquet, Djokovic, all these players are being very much present, and we have great respect for them.


Q. So you have two weeks ahead of you, matches that play five sets, great pressure on you. In your opinion, which players are best prepared to play these matches on clay?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: Well, Rafael, that's clear. He's demonstrated that for many, many years. He's absolutely incredible, so he's a great favorite.


Q. Coria is back after three years not playing here. What do you feel about it?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: Well, he's not an easy player. He's a great specialist of clay, and they tell me that he's getting better and better and improving his tennis. So wait and see.