Australian Open Day 5: Press Conference Snippets

Day 5 saw the tournament's first shocking upset: Roger Federer's loss to Italian Andreas Seppi. It seems Roger had a premonition during practice earlier in the day. Seppi, on the other hand, had no expectations going into the match, and even seemed a bit dazed after pulling the upset. That clear head must have helped him swing freely, especially on his magical forehand pass on match point. Grigor Dimitrov was stretched to five sets by 2006 Aussie finalist Marcos Baghdatis, but still dealt with questions about his girlfriend in press. And Maria, with a much more assured performance in round three, brought the funny to her press conference, shedding light on why reporters shouldn't rely on players for dependable analysis. Finally, no. 3 Simona Halep expressed confidence in her game, and swiftly shut down questions about former coach Wim Fissette.


Q. What did he say to you at the end?

ANDREAS SEPPI: Yeah, I can't remember well. But I think he said, Unbelievable last point. Congratulations, something like that.

Q. You had a lead back in 2012 against Djokovic, also up two sets. Did that ever enter your mind when you had the two-set lead against Federer and then maybe lost the third as well?

ANDREAS SEPPI: I wasn't thinking about anything, I have to say, about this match. As I said, I was very calm. I really enjoyed the atmosphere out there. I was not thinking I'm leading two sets to love or two sets to one. It was going to the end, the match, so just if I could do that any time, it would be great, yeah.


Q. You never lost a set with him. Was it surprising the way he played? Do you think Seppi played his best ever?

ROGER FEDERER: Against me, you mean?

Q. Yes.

ROGER FEDERER: Possibly so. We had some good matches in the past. He hits a good ball, forehand and backhand, so I knew that on a quicker court where he gets more help on the serve it was potentially going to be more tricky. And I felt for some reason yesterday and this morning it was not going to be very simple today. Even in practice I still felt the same way. I was just hoping it was one of those feelings you sometimes have and it's totally not true and you just come out and you play a routine match. Yeah, it was a mistake. And I know the strength of Seppi, especially after he beat Chardy, who I know can play very well. I was aware of the test and was well-prepared. Just somehow couldn't play my best tennis today. It was definitely partially because of Andreas playing very well.

Q. What was your feeling in practice this morning?

ROGER FEDERER: I don't know, maybe rhythm was missing. But I feel like that very often and then, you know, I come out and play a good match. Sometimes you feel too good and then you play a horrible match. I mean, the practice to me doesn't mean a thing anyways. But I was aware that this could be a tough match, so I wasn't mistaken this time around.


Q. A couple days ago you called Maria the greatest fighter ever. What about the match today, the fight that you showed?

GRIGOR DIMITROV: I just said matches like that really defines I think who you are and how you want to be, I don't know, remembered, your nickname, whatever you guys want to call it. I just feel that matches like that, it's really important to win, even if it's not on your best days. I think this is how you go forward. Today was one of those days for me, that I didn't really feel good on the court, wasn't really comfortable with my game, but I found a way to fight through it two sets to one down. To me that says a lot. In the same time, gives me a lot of confidence.

Q. What you said about Maria the other day, did she have anything to say about your praise?

GRIGOR DIMITROV: You should ask her about that (smiling).


Q. Did you ever try two hands on both sides?

MARIA SHARAPOVA: I did actually, yeah. I did lefty, two hands on both sides. Like at the circus, I do everything.

Q. Why did you try it and why did you stop?

MARIA SHARAPOVA: I had a pretty good right-handed forehand as well. I did a little bit of both. Monica Seles was my idol, as well, so...

Q. Compared to the first time you played Peng Shuai, do you think she's evolved to be a better player in other ways?

MARIA SHARAPOVA: I honestly don't quite remember when our first time was. Maybe you know that. You don't?


Q. How would you rate your game for now? Are you pleased with your game?
SIMONA HALEP: Yeah, I'm okay with my game. I played well today, better than the second round, so this thing is good. She was very strong and I just wanted to play my game, but, you know, it was a great, great match for both of us. I was hitting aggressive and I stayed very close to the baseline. I served well. So I'm happy with my game now.

Q. About Yanina, would you ask Wim Fissette some advice about her game?
SIMONA HALEP: No.

Q. You don't have contact anymore?
SIMONA HALEP: No, I don't have contact anymore.