04.06.2013 19:34:29 | The second-seeded Lukáš Rosol beat the Polish Mateusz Kowalczyk 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the last match on the AGROFERT Arena center court, all three seeded Czechs are through, apart from Rosol also Štěpánek and Hájek. Did Rosol expect such a hard match? "Definitely not but, on the other hand, the first round is never easy. The roof was partially retracted and the court had different properties than the outdoor courts. Even though we played three sets, I am very grateful for the victory. He has a very good serve, I had a chance in the second set, did not use it and lost that set. I am very grateful for the victory in the end because Kowalczyk is unfathomable and when he starts serving well, it is very hard to break that serve."
What is it like to beat a partner in doubles? "We are playing doubles for the third time and it's true that now it's been two tournaments in a row. We know each other well outside courts, too, and we are good friends. This is out of question on the court, though. It is our job, we make our living on it and we also enjoy doing it."
And what about concentration against a qualificant? "Mateusz is low in the ATP ranking because he concentrates on doubles but he is not a bad player at all. He won three matches in the qualification draw and that proves it. He was well wormed up compared to me because I did not play after Paris and therefore I value today's victory a lot."
What is it like – to meet nearly the whole Davis Cup Team in one place, at one tournament? "It is great that we have such opportunity in the Czech Republic. I am happy that Mr. Černošek and his TK PLUS organize the tournament and enable such encounters. I would like to thank everybody, including sponsors, that this tournament can happen and that this year it celebrates the twentieth anniversary."
What would Lukáš Rosol like to achieve at the Prostějov courts? "I always play round by round, I am not looking at who is going to be in quarterfinals, semifinals. Novak Djokovič can look ahead but not me. I have to concentrate on each match and believe to get through as far as possible. I would, of course, be very happy if I manage to win but it is going to be difficult. It would mean winning four more rounds. I will try to do my best but there can always be someone who will play better that day than me."
