“It feels very different to any other match I’ve ever won, because I never thought about anything, reaching 500 or 800. All those numbers didn’t mean anything to me, but for some reason 1000 means a lot because it’s such a huge number. Just alone to c0unt to 1000 is going to take a while.” – Roger Federer on reaching 1000 match wins with his Brisbane International title.
“No, they can’t count to a 1000. In any language.” – Roger Federer on whether his twin daughters are yet able to count to 1000.
“I think the way he’s come back and just all aspects that Roger does from the sets twins he has, everything he does is unbelievable.” – Milos Raonic reflects on Roger Federer reaching 1000 career match wins.
“We get a along well. We play FIFA together. I beat him, but he claims he’s beaten me once and he doesn’t let me live it down.” – Australian rising star Thanasi Kokkinakis on his off court console gaming with countryman Bernard Tomic.
“I got to see countries I have never seen before. It was an amazing experience. I really enjoyed having matches and having team spirit. That’s something that you don’t experience much in individual sport.” – Serb Ana Ivanovic visited the Taj Mahal when playing in Indian Premier Tennis League at the end of last year.
“Lleyton loves me. That’s nice. I love you too, Lleyton.” – James Duckworth (NSW) has a lot of love for countryman Lleyton Hewitt (SA).
“Embracing the Aussie culture and playing for Australia, it’s really an honour. So this month of tennis, it’s going to be pretty amazing. I’m just very grateful.” – Ajla Tomljanovic on her switch from Croatia to Australia.
“I was in Estonia for two months training there only indoors in the cold and rainy and dark.” – Kaia Kanepi enjoyed the warm and sunny conditions of Brisbane.
“They were so cute. Just I get really relaxed and the nail was really sharp so it was hurting, otherwise it was really fun.” – Japan’s No.1 player Kei Nishikori on his nerve-racking encounter with Tinkerbell the koala.
“Last year in Perth I swam with sharks… this was a little more stressful.” – Big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic after his three-set quarterfinal against Sam Groth.
“There are so many great people that have helped me out or supported me along the way who continue to do so. My maths teacher was there and he sends me messages when I’m overseas.” –Brisbane boy John Millman went down to Roger Federer in round two but had plenty of hometown support along the way.
“I think it would be AC/DC, Hells Bells. Yes, this is my favourite.” – Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina opts for Australian rock royalty when asked to pick a court entrance song.
“My grandpa still talks about it. Grandpa, I won like five Grand Slams and you’re telling me about my silver medal?” – Maria Sharapova may have a swag of Grand Slams to her name, but it’s Olympic silver her grandfather prizes most.
“I think he has the potential. It’s going to happen. He has to stay and work hard and do the right things, and I’m sure he can learn a lot from me from the past few years.” – Bernard Tomic tips big things for rising star Thanasi Kokkinakis following the battle of the young guns on Pat Rafter Arena.
“Yeah, I had four people watch me this morning.” – Queenslander John Millman is pulling in the crowds on the practice court, just a few hundred fans short of the number watching Round 2 opponent Roger Federer train.