Q. How will that bene fit you going into the Australian Open?
A. Just another good match of preparation. I think that's why you see such a great field here every year, because we want to use each other for preparation, to kind of find out where our form is. So that's why this event is such great preparation.
Q. Having used Murray today, where would you say you are?
A. Having what?
Q. Having used Murray.
A. I feel pretty good. You know, it's always a little difficult to tell how well you' re hitting the ball against Andy because he mixes it up so well. I don't know that you ever feel totally comfortable agains t him, there's not a lot of rhythm. But I feel good. I feel like I've been playing really well in practice this week, putting together a couple of wins here, so I'm definitely a lot further ahead as far as hitting the ball than I was last year at this time.
Q. How was Andy hitting the ball?
A. Yes, he's a good player, he's got an amazing feel for the game. You know, as oppos ed to some of us, he's a real player, as opposed to just a hitter, and he kind of constructs points well. It's always a litt le bit of a mind game playing him because he's pretty tricky out there.
Q. Have you had a chance to see the draw for next week?
A. I have not.
Q. Would you regard yourself as a hitter? There are elements to your game now that are coming on that make you, I think, perhaps much more than just a hitter?
A. Yes. I think first and foremost that's what I've been given, you know, that's what' s comfortable for me. But at the same time, I think of myself as a little bit more than that. There are other guys who can bit the ball hard but haven't produced consistent results, so there's going to be -- I feel like there has to be a little bit more something there.
Q. How much would it mean in this context to perhaps get one over on Federer, consideri ng your past record?
A. It'd be nice, it'd be great. At the same time, I'm going to reiterate the fact that we're here for preparation and we're here to kind of get a feel and play some good tennis in a nice environment before the Aussie Open. I mean, let's say I do come out here and beat Roger tomorrow, I wouldn't come in here acting like a world beater. In that context, I'd probably have to do it on a bigger stage before you read too much into it.
Q. Will you have all your tricks on show tomorrow?
A. I hope so. If you're asking if I'm going to save something for the Aussie Open, I don't know that I'm going to do that. I'm going to go out there and try to win a tennis match.
