SAM GROTH: I thought I managed to fight back in the second set. Not ideal conditions for me. Had a bad serving day against the No. 2 player in the world. Probably not going to cut it.
Q. I think it was noted that it was your first time on Rod Laver. How was it before the match and obviously early on?
SAM GROTH: Felt all right going out there until I started hitting a lot, and then I was pretty nervous. My serve was sort of out. You know, like I said, if I don't serve well against a guy -- I know I have to have probably one of my best serving days against -- you know, I'm in a bit of trouble.
There's a few nerves. I wasn't making first serves. Wasn't making first volleys. He's too good of a player not to do that against. Not a guy you want to get behind against either.
Q. Was it the occasion?
SAM GROTH: Playing on centre court at home, against the No. 2 player, knowing I had to play well, probably put a bit much pressure on myself knowing how well I had to play. I don't know.
Q. Bit of a scare in the last game there. How is the ankle?
SAM GROTH: It's all right. If I hadn't rolled it I might've come back, who knows.
Q. So you'll be able to play doubles?
SAM GROTH: Yeah, yeah, yeah. It was just a little tweak there. Nothing too bad. I managed to hit two winners in that game, one off a dropshot. I still moved all right. It will be fine.
Q. What happened in the second set?
SAM GROTH: I think I held serve, got a game on the board, released a few nerves. You know, probably just started playing the way I wanted to play. I played a few better service games and started moving better.
Made a few more balls from the back. I guess just tried to compete. I think that's one of my big strengths, you know, is the way I compete. I just tried to compete there. Got myself back into position. Then managed play a pretty bad service game again to serve the set.
Q. Did you practice with Andy this morning?
SAM GROTH: Same court, but we didn't hit together. I never hit on Rod Laver before. Trying to get a hit out there this morning. He had the same time, so...
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