This was your first photo shoot with Rado. How was the experience different from your TV commercial shoot last year?The photo shoot was good fun, much like the commercial shoot last year. The commercial shoot was more demanding, because I had to run quite a lot. This time was more about having fun trying different shots on court. It’s quite difficult for the photographer, because the movements are really quick, but the pictures turned out well. It was also nice to do some action shots and some more formal pictures on the same day. I’m happy with how they turned out.

COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING

Do you enjoy photo shoots?It depends on the photo shoot and what I’m doing around the same time. In Valencia I had just finished my last clay training session the day before and I was quite tired, so it was nice to have a less demanding day on court, before I went to Madrid. It also depends on the photographer, but he was very laid back and relaxed.

For the first time we see you playing tennis with a watch on your wrist.I have to be comfortable when I am playing and although my watches are very comfortable and light, I choose not to wear one to ensure I have my whole range of movement at all times. The backhand is the main area where it could get in the way. It was fine for the action shots but I’m not sure I’d risk it in a tournament.

In this shoot for Rado we see you wearing two different watches. How do you decide which watchto wear?For this photo shoot I had the two different HyperChromes.The green Court Collection is the one I wear most often, but I also just got the new plasma one that I wore at the shoot. I think it looks really cool and I like the story about the plasma, it’s quite space age. I usually just decide on the day of the match which watch to wear depending on what I’m doing, but both these watches go with most things and they’re both comfortable, which is really important for me.

You’ve had a Rado watch on your wrist during some of your career highlights. Does your watch have a special significance for you?It’s true that Rado has followed me through some very special moments. They became my watch partner just before big things started to happen, which is a happy coincidence. It’s interesting that I’m sponsored by Rado now because I remember them sponsoring a lot of tournaments that I watched on TV when I was really young. And it’s always good to have a sponsor that understands tennis.

After last year’s triumphs, how do you feel approaching the grass-court season this year?Last year’s events were memorable and I am taking those good memories with me into this new season. A lot has been written about it being 77 years since the last British winner, but I am just focussed on winning many more tournaments. I am looking forward to this grass court season the same as always, and it’s great to play in front of a home crowd…and sleep in my own bed!