| ||||||||||||||
Q. It looked like you really had to dig deep for that one. JAMES DUCKWORTH: Yeah, I did. It was a tough match. A lot of things I had to deal with out there. But, yeah, it's good to get through in the end.
Q. Any mixed emotions playing an Aussie? JAMES DUCKWORTH: Yeah, well, he's tough. Benny is one of my closest mates on tour. We have known each other since we were about 10 or so. We practiced together; had the same coach for the last couple years. Yeah, I guess it's tough playing someone, you know, who you're so close to. You want the best for them, but at the same time you have a job to do. Like I said, I'm happy to get the win.
Q. I guess at least Australia had a winner at least. JAMES DUCKWORTH: Yeah, exactly. We had to do a media interview before the match, and I said then, you know, hopefully the winner goes through and wins the tournament.
Q. Any chance of that happening, you think? JAMES DUCKWORTH: We'll have to play a bit better. I'm just looking forward to my next match, and hopefully I can do some damage then.
Q. You know each other's games so well; was that a struggle? JAMES DUCKWORTH: Yeah, we have practiced together a lot, so we kind of know what each other's strengths and weaknesses are. It was a tough battle out there.
Q. I think the crowd started singing Advance Australia Fair towards the end of the match today. Was that important to have the crowd on you? JAMES DUCKWORTH: Yeah, I mean, there were certain parts of the crowd that were for Benny and which were cheering for me. It was a great atmosphere out there, and, you know, I was pretty happy to be part of it.
Q. What did your coach say after the match? JAMES DUCKWORTH: I haven't actually seen or spoken to him about the match yet. He just said, Well done and just focusing on recovery. I was out there for four and a half hours.
Q. Must have been hard for him sitting there between you two. JAMES DUCKWORTH: I imagine it would have been, yeah. It was a lot of ups and downs, and, yeah, it was a long match. You know, he's happy I got the win.
Q. How long is your longest match in your career? JAMES DUCKWORTH: I played a quite a long four setter last year which was three and a half hours maybe. Other than that, I think...
Q. So at least by an hour long this is longer than you played before? JAMES DUCKWORTH: Yeah, yeah, I think so.
Q. How did you react physically? JAMES DUCKWORTH: I actually was starting to get like a few switches at the start of the third set in my legs. But, you know, like come the fifth set I was fine. I actually pulled up quite well afterwards. I did a lot of training beforehand with my coaches up in Brisbane. It was really hot up there, really humid. So, yeah, put a lot of physical work in, and it paid off.
Q. Can you explain what it feels like when you finally get there at the end of four and a half hours to get there? Because it was a see sawing battle the whole way through. JAMES DUCKWORTH: Well, it's happiness, excitement, a bit of relief, as well. Yeah, lots of emotions. Yeah, right now I'm really, really stoked to be playing the second round.
Q. I understand you guys are staying at the same hotel and have been eating meals together. Are you going to eat together tonight? JAMES DUCKWORTH: I will probably be here late and eat here and getting some physio treatment done, so probably not tonight.
Q. Is that the greatest satisfaction you have had in a match, probably the biggest match you have played given the crowd and the support there? JAMES DUCKWORTH: Yeah, I mean, it's always good to win at a Grand Slam. On the other hand, you know, I still kind of feel for Benny. He's a good mate of mine and he's pretty disappointed. So, yeah, it's a good feeling, but I still feel for him.
Q. Obviously since he walked off the court, have you two caught up? JAMES DUCKWORTH: Just in the locker room together. Not much was said; not much to be said.
Q. On paper it opens up things a little bit more for you; is that how you see it? JAMES DUCKWORTH: Yeah, I guess. Kavcic though is still quite a good player. I practiced with him a few times. Solid baseliner. Doesn't miss much. Doesn't give you much. Yeah, it's going to be a tough match.
Q. It's going to be pretty hot on Thursday; how will you handle that? JAMES DUCKWORTH: I actually like playing in the heat. You know, I'm used to it, you know, playing here in Australia a lot, and training, like I said, in hot conditions in Brisbane. Also helps with my serve a bit. Probably going through the air a bit quicker, so, yeah, looking forward to playing on a hot day.
Q. Is it a unique feeling when the crowds start quacking? JAMES DUCKWORTH: Yeah, I guess not many people get quacks from the crowd. Like I said, it was a great atmosphere, and something I feel privileged to be part of.
Q. Pat Rafter was out watching. Is it part of their sort of Davis Cup audition? Would you like to get a gig in the next month? JAMES DUCKWORTH: Yeah, for sure. It would be great for Davis Cup. It's one of my dreams. I went to the tie in Germany. I was the fifth player when we lost to Germany in a bit of a heartbreaker. Yeah, it was on my first time being there and being amongst, you know, the group for the week. Yeah, it was great fun. Learnt a lot from Lleyton and Pat and Rochey. And definitely, yeah, something I will try and build towards.
Q. Do you get any privileges? Like sharing a room with Luke Saville, do you get biggest bed now or... JAMES DUCKWORTH: Luke actually was in the biggest bed, but I think I might keep the same routine. (Laughter.) He lost in the big bed, so maybe it's not such a good bed. (Laughter.) |