Maybe, I will never become No 1. But I will keep on fighting hard to get there. Let’s see how it goes. If that happens, it will be great.
No, Rafael Nadal couldn’t make a winning start to the year. It was a rather tame defeat in the Chennai final on Sunday, going by the world No.2’s own lofty standards. Despite the disappointment, the 21-year-old spoke to Naoshirvan Vakil before jetting off for his next challenge, the Australian Open, beginning in Melbourne on January 14.
Excerpts...
Your favourite city?
Mallorca. It’s my home town. I love the place.
What are your aspirations for the Australian Open?
I always play well in Melbourne. Last year I reached the quarterfinals, so I hope to do better this time. If I am playing well I have a good chance to win the tournament.
Is Chennai turning out to be another Wimbledon for you?
(Smiles) It’s a little different. Of course Chennai is an important tournament and I will try and win it next year.
Who will do it first — Roger Federer winning the French Open, or Nadal winning Wimbledon?
I think Roger has a great chance to win the French Open first. He is a very good player on clay. We have had some really close matches in the finals in Paris. I had my chance the last two years (2006 & 2007) at the Wimbledon too (where he reached the final, and lost to Federer both times). I have been fighting every year for that title and I ran Roger very close last year. But it is easier for Roger to win the French first before I win Wimbledon as there are far more tournaments on clay to prepare for the French Open. On grass there are very few tourneys, so it is more difficult for me.
Is the grass at Wimbledon getting slower this each passing year?
I don’t agree. Nothing suggests it has become slower. I have always found it the same since I began playing there since 2002.
How big an influence has your uncle Toni been?
Toni is my coach. He is very supportive. He has been with me all over the world — at the Grand Slams and all other events.
Given a chance, who would you most like to invite for dinner and why?
Not really anyone. I like best to have dinner with my family and friends.
Why is there such unity between Spanish players?
All places in Spain are not the same. But all players from Mallorca are very close, we are like a family. Carlos Moya (also from Mallorca) is a dear friend.
What about your golf?
I like playing golf, I prefer it to football (Nadal is a big Real Madrid fan and was seen at Real’s final Primera Liga clash last year). I have an 11 handicap.
Finally, how long will it take you to usurp Federer from his throne?
Maybe, I will never become No 1. But I will keep on fighting hard to get there. Let’s see how it goes. If that happens, it will be great.
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