Grigor Dimitrov made a second consecutive impressive game of the TEB BNP Paribas Istanbul Open and earned his place in the final 7-6 (0) 7-6 (2) over Ivo Karlovic. Here is what Bulgarians said at the press conference after the success:
Q. After the first game you promised that will improve your game. What was the difference between first, second and today your match in Istanbul?
Grigor : Are you disappointed? I think there is no need to say anything, but you just have to let the result speak for itself. Ivo is a tough opponent and I had to be patient, to go back as many servings in the box, and use every chance.
Q. Played two tiebreak today.
Grigor: Yes, when you go into a tiebreak most important thing is to keep high concentration, to leave the ball in play and not miss capabilities. Today I did really well on the return of serve in the important moments and that helped me a lot to get to minibreyk, then to another ... and all of a sudden the situation looks quite nice.
Q. Against Karlovic there can not be an easy game. How did you persevere against this mighty serve?
Grigor : Ivo has many qualities, but definitely the most dangerous with its initial shock. The match was a game of nerves. Especially in the early minutes unable to insert return of serve and even find their place in the courts, which is dangerous, because you have only two sets to fix. I played well when it was important. Retur today were the key thing.
Q. The finals are special matches. Think about past, you played?
Grigor : There is something special for me in Sunday's match. Just another match on Monday's in Madrid. Match by match mine the period in which their burden your head with thoughts like this will be "the most important match in my life." No. This will be the first or my last final. I just have to focus on your game. It does not matter against who I play, it's how I play.
Q. Became a word for the serve of Karlovic and your return of serve. Do you think the fighting spirit that you showed at 6-5 in the first set affected the psyche of the opponent?
Grigor : In difficult times, Ivo risking hell of a lot and sometimes I have noticed that is nervous. I knew that the more Retur stick, the more he will think, where, how and how fast to serve.
Q. You look more stable with every match in Istanbul. Will it continue this setting and the finals?
Grigor : Hopefully. It is important to go out with the same attitude and just play. This is absolutely the most important thing at the moment. Forthcoming some of the biggest tournaments - in Madrid and Rome, so I'm looking to gain the maximum number of matches on clay before. Absolutely calm'm my game starts to stabilize.
Q. Bulgarian flags in the stands were even more today. Help you?
Grigor: Yes, always, always. Wherever I am in the world, it always helps.
