Monte Carlo 98

Question: Mark, we think of you as the big serve, power off the ground. Quite often your best results have come off clay. It it a surface you enjoy playing on?

Philippoussis: To be quite honest, it should be one of my favorite surfaces, you know, there is no reason why. I'm a big guy, I move well on the court. The ball sets up for my big forehand. I can do a lot of damage there.

I'm in one of the best fitness stages of my life now. I was feeling great out there. There is no reason why I can't grind down until I get the short one and then go for it. Earlier on, I was going for it a bit too early. Now I feel I'm physically tough.

Philippoussis: Sure. After winning Memphis, I really haven't done much. Probably a mental lapse. I just want to forget about the start of the year. I was happy to get a title. But I think I could do well on the clay, every tournament I play in. No reason why I can't. I'm just really looking to do well in this first tournament back.

Question: How much should the difference with weather like this, as opposed to playing on a damp day when the balls are a bit heavy?

Philippoussis: Yes, the balls are flying here. The claycourt is fast. It really is a nice claycourt. You can serve and volley here, and you can also stay back and have some great points.

Question: Have you been spending time here? Have you been practicing here? You have a place here now, haven't you?

Philippoussis: Yes, I'm in residence here