18/01/2012 13:42 CEST - TENNIS

A. Dolgopolov - 18.01.2012

Q. How are you feeling? Two five set matches. How are the energy levels?
ALEXANDR DOLGOPOLOV: Well, physically I feel fine. You know, I was pretty much concerned from the first match. I wasn't feeling good a bit health wise.
First set today I was feeling also a bit tough, and then I got better and better. It's been in the shade and not so hot. Was feeling, I mean, better. So I was happy with that.
Yeah, happy to be in the next round.

Q. Was it simply the heat or was there an illness or anything like that?
ALEXANDR DOLGOPOLOV: I don't really know, you know. I do have a bit of a blood condition, and I don't know if it's that.
I didn't want to check it on the tournament, you know. I will just do that when I come back home. I will just have to deal with it and try to play my best.

Q. Obviously a tight five setter, 8 6. Confident the fact that you're able to get through that?
ALEXANDR DOLGOPOLOV: Yeah, I think I played a pretty good game. It was up and down a bit, but he played also some unbelievable shots. He was playing very well.
I can't say I mean, the first set wasn't too good for me. I made a lot of unforced errors, but practically [sic], I mean, I played pretty well in the match. I'm happy with that and happy with the physical level I showed.
So all was good.

Q. You have Bernard next match. You've played him three times. Where do you see him at the moment?
ALEXANDR DOLGOPOLOV: Well, I think he's improved from last year, that's for sure.
He had two tight matches, as well. I think it will be tough, you know, if he plays well. But as you said, I won all the three times, so that will give me a bit of confidence. For sure I know how to play him.
Yeah, depends how I'm going to be feeling what day it's gonna be a tight match. The best player on that day will win.

Q. What is the key to beating him?
ALEXANDR DOLGOPOLOV: I think I'll have to show my game instead of going into his. He varies a bit. He plays all around the court, tries to break up your rhythm.
If I can be aggressive, you know, and always control the points, try to hit a lot of winners, for sure. Yeah, that's pretty much it.

Q. Night match? Would you prefer a night game?
ALEXANDR DOLGOPOLOV: I don't really care.

Q. Were you surprised by Kamke today?
ALEXANDR DOLGOPOLOV: Not really. I think I know how he plays. I have seen him for two or three years now on challenger level on ATP. He's a good player. You know, he can play really well sometimes, and sometimes he loses his level.
I think today he was playing very well. I had to show, you know, one of my best tennis and to beat him. I know how he plays. He has powerful shots and comes in and makes a lot of winners, so just try to hold on there.