It was not easy, but we had not expected it to be easy, although Ville Liukko wason the other side of the net, a qualifier, no. 125 on the ranking, first time competitor in a Grand Slam tournament. Goran Ivanisevic goes through the toughest period in his career, he is not the kind of player on whom you can definitely put your money on. Even if Ville Liukko is on the other side of the court.

The victory was not gained easily. This 7-5, 7-6(5), 4-6, 6-2 after two hours and 37 minutes was only Ivanisevic's third victory in an American tournament. It was enough to listen and hear how he thought about his own game. A better comment is not possible.

Against Liukko he was passive, too passive. But the Finn did not know how to take advantage. He had 47 winners, of which 27 aces, Liukko could not return 10 services. There were only three direct points on his forehand and his backhand. Six in total! Liukko had - 18! Too little or no risk at all. There is no simple explanation. Fortunately, the service worked when most needed. Who knows how this match would have ended if the Finn had taken advantage of one of his three set points in the second set.

"I had never seen him before, and the first round is always tough, whomever you play. I must admit that he has a good backhand. There aren't too many at this tournament. Yes, I was too passive. I had decided to keep the ball into play, to see how it went. This summer I only hit, right after the service. Terrible. I played more golf than tennis. I lose on Monday, I wait for another tournament. I lose again on Monday. I remained without self convidence. So this victory is good. Only with victories I can get to where I came from. Step by step, try to get back into my game and reach the second week."

In the second round he will meet the winner of the match between qualifiers Cristian Caratti and Jacob Diaz (was played later yesterday evening). Pete Sampras and Patrick Rafter dropped out in his part of the draw. But Ivanisevic does not think about that. "Under no condition. Could I win? A Grand Slam is always a tough tournament. I still need six victories. It is just like climbing the Mount Everest. In general, I don't think about that. The game is the most important thing. And today I got lost on the court, I don't know what I'm doing. I hit a second serve at 180, 190 km p/h. I know that I may not and cannot slow down the game."