04.06.2013 16:41:00 | Ivo Minář went through qualification and he definitely was not an easy opponent for Jan Hájek, apart from that they know each other very well. "I was seeded which guaranteed that I will not meet a seeded player up to the second round. When I, however, saw that I am going to play a qualificant and I saw who is there I knew that I will either play a difficult Minář or Pospíšil or someone else. The quality of qualification draw was very good. And it was not a great advantage to play a qualificant. Qualification players are warmed up, they have gone through three matches and Ivo's as well as Jaroslav's performance here in Prostějov has always been good.“
What was the progress of the match? "No one can expect an easy match with Ivo Minář. Ivo is in the fifth hundred but his game corresponds to a better ranking. I knew he wanted to put on a good show but on the other hand everybody was expecting my victory. I must say that he surprised me with his serve. I could hardly manage his serves in some games and I only waited what would happen. Fortunately, I managed a difficult tie break in the first set and I also managed the second set as well except for some hesitation in the first game. I improved my play and I only hope that the following days will be the same."
As usual, your performance in Prostějov is excellent. "Everybody expects me to play in the final rounds but I must take it match by match. That's the only way. The Prostějov tournament quality is fantastic, bearing in mind it is – only a challenger. I must concentrate on the tomorrow's match and we will see then."
A match between two Czechs and on top of that on home ground, that is always special. "I have known Ivo all my life although we have not met at tournaments many times but we have had many joint trainings. We cannot therefore surprise each other and we know each other very well. There were a few identical shots on both sides. Minor things decided the first set, perhaps also more matches played, more self-confidence and more recent successes on my part. That helped me manage the first set but it was still very demanding and even. I personally wish Ivo to keep up the good play and get back up the rank."
And what is ahead a triple Prostějov tournament winner? "I don't know my opponent for the second round but it is not so important. The important thing is to continue playing my game. In that case, the tomorrow's result does not worry me."
