Bernard Tomic Interview

            I start playing on Monday or Tuesday.

Q      Are you aware of the history of this event?  Some of the past major winners who've won this and - - -

A   Well, (indistinct) did mention it and it was a good feeling to be a part of the guys that have won it and I know a lot of good players have won it, so to be up there with those names is - is great and, you know, what more can I say?  It's, you know - I know I haven't lost a match here so I don't think - I can't lose here.  It's - it's funny.

Q      When did you first come to Kooyong, can you remember?

A   Well two years ago when I had to play Novak and I think I won (indistinct) here.  I don't know, it could all change next week, it couldn't.

Q      Next week with Verdasco, I mean do you need to be more aggressive against him from the point of view that you've really not got a lot (indistinct)?

A   Yeah, I think I'll need to be a little more aggressive.  I think he's one of those guys that can play - you know there's only three or four guys that can play all day and he's one of them, so I think I need to come out and be aggressive and hit fast, like the way I was playing in the first few matches here at Kooyong.  I think if I play like that and to his back end corner deep I think he can't really hurt me.

Q      Do you still approach matches like you've got nothing to loose?  Is that a mindset going in or are you just at that stage?

A   It is, but sometimes you forget about everything and you just realise you're playing in that moment and there's a bit of pressure around, it's a tough point, so.  There's always pressure and stuff and you know, any big point, whether it's four all in the third or you know four all in the fifth, it's still going to get to me either way, even if you're younger than I.

Q      Are you going to celebrate a little bit tonight or in training - have to train again tonight?

A   I don't know what I have tonight.  Hopefully they'll realise go and have the night off and - but I don't know.  I'll probably train tomorrow and do some stuff and you know, be ready to play.

Q      When do you start preparing for Verdasco and how?  Do you speak to someone about it?

A   Well it's a good thing that I played him before, once when I - in Brisbane when he made that run and when he got to the semi's and he was playing well then.  You know I remember I managed to get up two love, 40-15 and you know he beat me 6-4, 6-2.  You know I learn from that and I remember playing him.  He obviously - you know, he's had - he had the great year when I did play him, so I think it's a good
- it's a tough first round when you look at it, but it's a very winnable match for me if I come in focused and you know it's not like those big names.  It's a good feeling to play someone you know you have confidence that you can win and not playing like a big seed.

Q      Thanks for that.

A   All right, thank you guys.

Back to top

Mardy Fish Interview

            can - you can overplay for sure but you still need matches.  You still need the preparation.  You still need - you know, you still need to feel sharp going into a Grand Slam for sure and even though it's so early in the year - so you can't - you know, it's very hard to go in without anything.  You know, the least - the least amount you almost feel like is some like Novak where he just plays over in Abu Dhabi.  He plays two, three matches over there.  He's definitely getting matches but, you know, that's - that's probably the minimum for sure.  You know, you need - need some - some high quality stuff and that's certainly what I got this week.

Q      Do you feel at the moment sharp and really ready to attack come Monday or Tuesday, whenever you're drawn to play?

A   Yeah, look I - the quality of player that I played this week, with a lack of a better term, you're just not going to come up with - come up against those guys in the first two rounds, you're just not.  I mean these guys that we're playing out here, unless you draw someone like Bernard, which you could and fortunately for me I didn't, so I don't have to worry about that.  So you know the first couple of rounds you won't play guys that are as good as that.  Doesn't mean you can't lose, by any means.  But
- so, you know, winning a couple of matches here and playing well today, both could have one if you like, probably.  Anybody could probably say that, so it's great to go on with three high quality matches.

Q      Apart from Bernard's serve is there another area where you think (indistinct) improve in?

A   Yeah, I think he can improve his speed.  You know he's 19 years old so he's going to get a stronger upper body, he's going to get a stronger - the good thing for him is that he talks - he talks and acts like a real good player and that's important.  You don't want to be cocky at all, but you want to be confident.  He handles himself the right way, the way a young kid should.  And he knows he has a long ways to go to where he really wants to be and he certainly does, but he's on the right track, there's no doubt about that and he's going about it the right way.  You know, he doesn't come up with - you know he's not in the locker room running around being loud and obnoxious and young, you know probably like I was when I was 18, 19.  You know, he conducts himself the proper way and you know as someone who only has a few years left, you root for guys like that.  So I'll enjoy watching him for a long time.

Q      (Indistinct) today, you mixed it up, mixed the pace, (indistinct).

A   M'mm.

Q      Is there an obvious (indistinct)?

A   No, not from side to side.  You know, I have my strengths, you know my - the reason why I am where I am is my attacking game.  You know, I could beat a lot of players playing like that, it doesn't have anything to do necessarily with him.  If I can play well and execute my shots and play aggressive like that and come into the net, take in - put pressure on, on big points and key points early in games, late in games, you know that's why I am where I am, so - you know, in a match up like him and I it seems like it will be more up to what I do just because of our styles of play.  You know, he's got great feel in the sense that he can chip the ball round, chip it short to your forehand, which is a weakness of mine and he knows that and he'll try to exploit that.  But you know I'll try to get over there and be aggressive on it and sort of take it to him and that's the way he plays and that's the way guys play these days with the, you know, the surface is slowing down and the ball's getting bigger and heavier.  It's harder to play how I play, so there's not many guys that do successfully.

Q      Anymore questions, no?  Thanks very much Mardy.

A   Thanks.

INTERVIEW COMPLETE.

Back to top

Mardy Fish Interview

            know he cares about the other tournaments but I mean he wants - you know, he wants a slam obviously and - and that's why he brought someone like Ivan on.  Someone who has - you know, if Andy thinks he's had the short end of the stick on finals of Grand Slams Ivan's been there.  You know, he lost his first four and then he won eight.  So, you know, there's - there's a perfect guy to say, "I know what you're going through".  And again, I think I'll he'll help him a lot.

Q           Mardy, what's he like on the golf course (indistinct)?  The icy stare doesn't - - -

A           He does, yep.  He'll try to get in your head a little bit and try to give you the occasional joke that isn't funny, and he thinks he's better than everyone in golf and he's not.

Q           Mardy, you probably haven't had a great deal of time to study the draw, the Australian Open draw, but from what you've seen so far are you happy with sort of your run through?

A           I haven't seen anything, so - - -

Q           Oh.

A           But I know I play, but I don't - I haven't seen anything else, so I couldn't tell you.  I couldn't tell you anything but I played with Gilles Muller, right.

Q           Yes.

A           Yes, I played him in LA.  Awkward player, dangerous player, has done well on fast surfaces before.  He's got a good serve, a big game, you know, a quick game.  So he'll be tough, I've got my hands full.

Q           Mardy, you started talking about (indistinct) fitness last year and it did - did you technically work on that in your game?

A           Yeah, I mean I worked on - I worked on a lot of things.  Within my game obviously I worked on cleaning up a lot of things, especially in practices, not going through the motions when I go to the net and hit volleys or not going - you know, taking four overheads and saying I'm good.  You know, actually concentrating on almost every shot within practices, it goes a long way because you practice a lot.  And if you can concentrate on - you know, concentrate on every overhead that you hit, it will improve with time.  You know, you don't to go overboard and say, I don't - I want to hit 1000 overheads every single day.  But if you concentrate on those ones, you know it can get a lot better.  I just - I cleaned up a lot of my - of work ethics, of - and you know, I mean I put in the time now, but it was not necessarily including the time it was when I would put in the time, I would be there for every single second of the practice or of the gym session or of a track session, not let - you know, not let one of the sprints go to the waste.  You know, give it everything I've got on every one of them.  Just clean that type of stuff up and - and apart from the fitness thing as well, I show up for every match now.  I want to win every single match I step on the court with and - I've always wanted to win, but you know, I've been in those situations in the past, you know, five, six, seven years, whenever, when I was younger that I would say, "Man, it would be nice to be home now."  And I don't - you know, obviously it would be nice to be home, like everyone else thinks, but I don't want to go home, you know, until it's over with.  So I've cleaned up those - those few things, for sure.

Q           I watched an earlier match with a former player who thought that your forehand would have a lot more consistency - - -

A           Yes.

Q           - - - (indistinct)  - - -

A           Yes, I mean it - - -

Q           - - - is that a progression from - from the work you've done - - -

A           Neil, where are you going?

Q           Sorry, someone's on court.  Shall I (indistinct)?.

A           Get out of here.  Get out of here.  And again, the fitness level sort of spilled over into something like that where I could train for longer hours and put in more reps with my forehand, put in more reps with my - you know, with two on ones and with working on my fitness level or my leg strength or lungs.  And so you know, with that it's - it's all - you know, having a more positive attitude about it.  I mean I used to miss a forehand and then just day, my forehand stinks, I - you know, I can't wait today, kind of thing.  And now, you know, that doesn't happen any more.

Q           We've asked questions about Murray and obviously about Tomic, from these countries where there's a real pay dirt for a young champion to win a slam.  What about the United States?

A           Yes.

Q           It hasn't been one since 2012 since Andy.

A           Yes, there's a real hunger for sure.  It's no different than - from here or from England or - you know, probably France as well.  I mean they're a big tennis country as well and got a lot of good players, but no one has won since probably Noah in 85, I think.  So you know, there are - they're hungry in tennis and the States needs an American champion.  And we've got a lot of very good young players coming up.  It's tough to pick out a Federer out of that or a Nadal out of that or a Djokovic out of that and they don't come along very often, you know.  Or another Roddick, because he could have won more than one obviously.  He could have won three or four or five.  He lost to Federer in every other final that he had, so you know, we - we want one badly as well.

Q           Thanks very much.

INTERVIEW COMPLETE

Back to top

Gael Monfils Interview

AAMI Classic Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club

Questions for Gael Monfils

(12/01/12)

MEDIA QUESTIONS:

Q           What went on with the shoe?  What was the go with the shoe in the third set tie-breaker?

A           Oh fun, it was fun and I think it was bit like a cool down and it was a cool tie break set without pressure and I think then I handled it better then.

Q           What did you find was the key was to his game, getting on - getting on top in the end game?

A           I mean he's a real tough sort of player.  I mean, you know, I think it's a great, great pair.  I mean, he got so much talent, he's very fast to the ball and you know, like - I mean, the guys here in Australia you have good hope and it's great - it's a great pair.

Q           And what about your form going into the Australian Open?  Unless it were yesterday, what about today, were you trying out new things?  How do you feel you were playing overall?

A           And I think a bit easier today, at some stage because I was a bit worried about - like my knee and then - then I tried a couple of stuff but I was stressing, but I played great.  So you know, it was - it was a great match.

Q           What is the issue with the knee?  I saw you - - -

A           Well it's like, you know, I need to take care of - of it and sometime, you know, in my movement you know it can hurt a bit and how sort of like, it was cold when we start and then hot.  So I think my knees are - they're normally like that.

Q           Will you be able to play your last match here on Saturday?

A           Yes, I hope so.  I mean tomorrow I have the day off and I will take it easy, maybe play just an hour and - and take care of my knees and then yes, I'll be able to play.  I hope so.

Q           Were you happy with today's tune up?  I mean, you get a lot - there are a lot of rallies and a lot of slides then a lot of movement and some - - -

A           Yes, well it was great.  It was - it was long, you know, it's like more - more time you spend on the tennis court, the better it is.  And you know, it loses all pressure, you know, you can try some - a couple of stuff.  You know, I think the next one I need to serve maybe faster because I - I think I took it easier.  It's been like two days in a row I took it easy with the serve.  But after I know, I think I'm moving great and when I want to play fast and yes, I think I can do it.  So I'm happy.

Q           Gael, John McEnroe said this morning about Bernard Tomic that the key to his game is his array of shots, not just relying on power.  Did you find that today, the way he was able to play a slide, play the volley and just mix it up all the time?

A           Yes, I mean he's always - and I've played him like the end of the last year and it was a bit the same.  And I think he's - he's doing great.  I mean, sometime he has this really slow rhythm and sometime he can hit it, flick it, so he's great.  He's got a really good hand and you know what is great with him is actually he seizes the court like very, very good and - I mean, he had a lot of talent.

Q           Is he a hard player to read?  In the game, hard to read?

A           Yes, because you know, he's - he's mixing - he's mixing like a lot and - and now he's going in more for - for his shot, or so, you know.  So he's - yes, he's tough to read, yes.

Q           OK, all done?  OK, thank you.

FRENCH QUESTIONS:

      (In French.)

INTERVIEW COMPLETE

Back to top

Milos Raonic Interview

AAMI Classic Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club

Questions for Milos Raonic

(11/01/12)

MEDIA QUESTIONS:

Q           Can you sort of explain what really went wrong for you, or what was going on out there?

A           No.  It was just - I think a lot of it came down to just experience.  It was a tough day to play good tennis and I think he - he sort of adapted up to it a lot better.  I think I was expecting a little too much to play like a played last week, and I just wasn't giving myself enough margin for error considering - considering the conditions and considering how tough it was to play good tennis today.  And I just - I was being a little bit ignorant about it and just trying to push, push, push to play well where - whereas I probably need to just accept it and just put more balls in and sort of try to build it from there.

Q           (Indistinct) wind (indistinct) conditions?

A           We don't - we don't - we don't practise with the blow dryer beside the court.

Q           (Indistinct)

Q           No, but - - -

Q           (Indistinct)

A           No, we - we talked about it a bit but - we talked about it a bit and we were sort of on the same page about it but I think it's just an inexperience from - I know how I would deal with it most of the time but since I was playing so well last week it was - it was like I was pushing a little too much to get - get that level out of me.

Q           Are you able to (indistinct) if someone has (indistinct) be No.25 today what (indistinct) about that (indistinct) 

A           I would've signed the contract and smiled.

Q           Yeah?

A           Yeah.  No, it's - it's - I knew - I knew one day I - and I hoped one day I would be able to reach this level and it just - you just don't know when and where.  It's the thing about tennis.  You don't know which weeks you're going to play well and it's about whether or not it just comes together for you.  And for me it came back together really quickly last year and also at the beginning of this year, so it's been - it's been good.  It's all been pretty much uphill and it's all been positive so it's - it's been a fun journey.

Q           And why the difference with preparing?  You used to be (indistinct) and (indistinct) one now?

A           Obviously technically and skill-wise there was a big difference but I think the biggest difference is knowing how I need to play to win.  An understanding of my game and understanding of what I need to do to win, and not trying to play like anybody else.  Just sticking to the things I do best especially on the big points.  Sticking to the patterns you practice all the time and the strategies that work best for you, and not trying to come up with anything special.  Just sticking to fundamentals is the biggest thing that's made a difference.

Q           How do (indistinct) start of the year so well as (indistinct)

A           No - - -

Q           - - - because you have the very good preparation (indistinct)

A           I think the preparation's always very good for me as it's away from tournaments, so it's a really relaxed time so you never really find yourself stressful or - or worried or anxious doing the practices.  You just really just go about the work and you don't think about will I be tired, won't I be tired?  You understand that at - at the end of every day and every week you are supposed to be completely drained.  So you just completely push yourself and it's not only how much you develop physically as a tennis player, but also it's - it gives you confidence.  Not the same amount of confidence as winning matches but it gives you a - a confidence that you did the right work and that you have improved as a player and eventually it's going to come together.

Q           (Indistinct) stop what did you put on the first line (indistinct) (indistinct) in terms of ranking of grand slams this year?

A           I never really put anything direct to - to result.  It's - it's hard because you don't control these things.  I try to focus on the things I do control and the thing I can control the most is my development, my progress, and then obviously that's measured by ranking but you can't measure week by week because you don't know who you're going to play what week.  You don't know how you're going to play each week.  It's more measured by the end of the year and I would like to be able to be close, if not in the top ten, by the end of the year and I believe I have the game for that.  But there's a lot more work that needs to be done and I have to keep pushing, and I think I also have to start playing better and better at the bigger tournaments.

Q           Is it something you would sign (indistinct)?  Contract you would sign (indistinct)

A           If somebody told me I'd be in the top ten at the end of the year, yeah, yeah.  Yeah, I would sign it right now.  I'd sign my soul away for that one.

Q           What do you want to get out of the next few days?  I mean not a goal but how do you extend over here in terms of good play or preparation?

A           The most important things are going to be staying hungry during the next few days.  As much as recovering physically from not only the tennis but also the travelling.  It's going to be also important to recover mentally and just understand last week was last week, and this week you're turning up with zero and you've just got to build from there.  Obviously you can carry the confidence through, but as far as satisfaction you have nothing to be satisfied with.  You have to take the week as a completely new one and just sort of build from there and try to achieve better things than I did last year.

Q           You're one of a generation with Tomic, Nishikori, Jung.  Those kind of guys that don't have any complex (indistinct).  How can you see the top players (indistinct) far from you or you can get to them and (indistinct)

A           I think - I think there is - on a technical skill level I think there is a big difference.  Even on the mental level.  I think they are quite a bit better than the rest but I believe also that I can - I can - - -

            (Mobile phone rings.)

            I believe also that on any given day if the things are going right then I can find a way to win the matches.  So it's - you just go out there that day and you believe in my - my belief is sticking to my big plays and not really just letting things happen.  Trying to force things, trying to push things and try to dictate play is the most important things for me and it doesn't matter who's on the other side of the net.  My job is to focus on my tennis and what I need to do, not what they're capable of and what they do.

Q           Can you tell (indistinct) how does the Davis Cup matter to you (indistinct)

A           How does Davis Cup matter?

Q           Yeah, yeah?

A           No.  Davis Cup's big.  It's - it's a very big thing.  First of all on a personal level it's something I think myself and everybody on the team wants to make big strides in, and Canada right now a sort of a new territory, and would fit in the World Group but I think now we're on the World Group but I think we also believe, and there's a big belief that we can do well.  So this is definitely big but also I think on a national level for the growth of the sport, and for generations coming up in tennis.  If - if not only one individual can do well consistently.  If we can all do well as a team I think that'll make a big difference.

Q           Do you think a big difference again in (indistinct) before World Group (indistinct) or - - -

A           Yeah.  There is - there is definitely a lot of recognition and support.  A direct of showing of it all is pretty much last week as soon as I got into the semi-finals it was televised across the whole country; my matches.  So on the television and on the media standpoint it's really being shown.  I think there are juniors that are doing quite a bit better.  We have a - we had a few

INTERVIEW COMPLETE

Back to top

Bernard Tomic Interview

            definitely stopped growing tall wise, which is good.  You know, I need, you know, 6'3" – 6'5" is a good height for tennis, I think, if you can move well.  And you know, the best movers are all six foot, six foot one, I know, like Rafa and Roger.  And I think I'm moving good for my body.  I can move better and I can improve more in the next year.

Q           How much have you put on?

A           Well, I'm about 92 kilos.  Used to be the year before about 90, 89.  So I think I'm playing more and more and my legs are getting stronger, so that's a good thing. 

Q           Do you think in the last 12 months approaching the Australian Open that you've come a long, long way and do you feel a lot more confident going into this open than you'd say (indistinct) ago?

A           Absolutely, yeah, and I've done very well at the opens.  Since I've started, you know, I haven't lost in the first round yet so I'd hopefully do well if I get the right draw.  Not draw the top names in the - in the early - it's - it's a good thing for me and I think that's what happened in Wimbledon. 

Q           Does the next schedule match (indistinct) so that you can see compete in the tournaments without worrying worry about (indistinct)

A           Yeah, I think that's it and I think, you know, I've got a good shot at being seeded in the French and Wimbledon.  So, you know, I haven't got much points to defend and I think the next four or five months is going to be really, really, really fun.  I'm going to enjoy it and get my ranking up to - to where I can be seeded in maybe the French and Wimbledon.

Q           Further questions?  Thank you - - -

A           Thanks, guys.

INTERVIEW COMPLETE

Back to top

Tomas Berdych Interview

AAMI Classic Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club

Questions for Tomas Berdych

(11/01/12)

MEDIA QUESTIONS:

Q           It was a tough day in the - in the wind.  How did you feel - how did you feel that sort of affected the whole occasion?

A           Yeah, well, I think it was just probably so far the worst conditions I ever played.  Allowing the wind conditions and, yeah, I mean it's just the way of getting - or try to getting used to that a little bit.  Not to - not to lose the rhythm.  What I had in the last - last week and just, you know, just to have a one match and start slowing outside and just having it as a preparation.

Q           It seems as if Tomic's gained a little (indistinct) and the sort of lower ball toss (indistinct) can say?

A           Well, yeah, could be.  Definitely for the ball toss, first serve, could be his advantage a little bit but, yeah, I mean I think it was just - there was a - the first set was squared so it - I would say and then was just about few points but I don't think that the score today was that much important.  I think it was just more about to really try to get used to that.  Have some matches and have a good preparation for - for Aussie Open.

Q           Where do you assess Bernard Tomic's game?  I know he's only very young, but where you sort of see him and his development in the game?

A           Well, yeah, I saw him play last year in Wimbledon and I think he's - he has definitely the game to - to make some damage, to play really good tennis and - yeah.  Probably I'm not the - not the best one who can predict someone's game and someone's career but, yeah, I think he has definitely - it's going to be the positions like for a top ten and then just depends what's - what's going to be next and what's - how he's going to work.  How he's going to have some luck, injury free and many things.

Q           Did you expect the way (indistinct) to the economy (indistinct) matters?

A           Well, the reason was quite simple because as long as I had a pretty - pretty long season last year and went into a number - many matches and especially the end of the year was very tough.  When I get this chance to start the year a bit slower then - then just go to Australia again for a next tournament.  I mean just that would be really too much and during those two weeks in Perth and here I want to what I'm doing - my preparation for the season as well.  So that's why because I didn't have much time after the season to do that, so want to have this - this kind of start of the year.

Q           (Indistinct) thank you very much.

INTERVIEW COMPLETE

Back to top

Mardy Fish Interview

AAMI Classic Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club

Questions for Mardy Fish

(11/01/12)

MEDIA QUESTIONS:

Q           Hi, (indistinct)?

A           Yeah, this is every day.

Q           I was going to actually ask (indistinct) to be injury free.

A           Yeah.  Yeah, I mean, that's a huge part of sport is being able to play the events that you want to play in a, you know, ten month period or a calendar year.  And it doesn't happen a lot.  I think the guy that has been the most injury free is probably Roger.  You know, it's a lot of hard work and a little bit of luck, you know, and that's no, you know, that's no secret that – that's no secret that that's the, you know, one of the major components of being consistent, because consistency is one of the major things out here.  That's how you keep your ranking up.  You know, you've got to be consistent and you've got to – Tomas Berdych made, must have made 16 quarter finals last year.  I mean, he finishes seven in the world.  That's how, you know, all you got to do is win.  All you got to do is win 15 matches and make 16 quarter finals and you'll finish seven in the world.

Q           Well, I guess it's obvious that, you know, injury plays such a big part of any sport.  I mean, some have said that the season is far too long, and maybe there should be a mini break.  Has that ever been considered seriously?

A           I think there are a lot of variables that go into account when, yeah, I mean, on the outside it looks like, you know, the season is too long.  Yes.  But on the inside there's a lot of things that have to go on for that to, you know, for us to shorten the season.  There are weeks in the calendar that, you know, that important tournaments have, that sponsors are there that sponsor us that, you know, that put up the prize money for us to help pay the bills.  And I mean, there's a lot of variables.  So, yeah, I mean, there's no doubt that the season is too long, but it seems like for every guy that complains about the season is too long, and there's another tournament and another week, or plays another weeks and, you know, it's not a long career for us.  So you've got to try to get it while you can, and I think that's a lot of the guys' mindset.

Q           How do you see your prospects at the Australian Open on the form that you're currently - - -

A           Yeah, I mean, it's nice to – nice to play a bunch of matches in the beginning of the year.  I never start out well at the beginning of the year, at least in previous times.  I came down here last year.  I thought I was playing well and I lost the second round.  There is just so many good players, you know, that it just doesn't, you know, sometimes it doesn't matter.  Sometimes you can have an off day, you know.  We're all human beings so we all have bad days and good days, and when you have a bad day, you're probably going to lose.  You know, so you know, I had a great year last year.  I came off, you know, obviously my best year.  And being a part of the World Tour final in London was special for me.  I was – I wasn't healthy at all at that time of the year.  I hurt my hamstring and (indistinct) and pulled out of that tournament and pulled out of Paris as well in the middle of the tournament.  I was certainly – I certainly took that all in.  But you know, I wasn't too healthy at that time.  So it's been a while.  Long winded answer, it's been a while since I've really felt 100 per cent healthy, which I do now.  And now I just need the matches and I need to get going again.

Q           It's almost like a (indistinct) isn't it?

A           Sure, yeah, especially at 30.  You know, I've got to do stuff like this every day.  I work two to two and a half hours every single day on my body, whether it's massage or ice or steam or face baths or you know, hot tubs or something.  There is not a day that goes by where I don't just – I don't do anything at all.  So you have to take care of your body.  I mean, that's, you know, a coach can't do what he – what he wants to do, and you can't play how you want to play if you're injured.

Q           What actually is it?  Is it an elbow or wrist?

A           This?

Q           Yes.

A           Well, this is a wrist, elbow, bicep.

Q           Really?

A           It's not injured.  Oops.  It's not injured but - - -

Q           So you're not getting pain when you're playing?

A           I get pain sometimes.  I get pain in my knees and hips.  I mean, I'm a 30 year old with an 80 year old body from playing a lot of matches, a lot of years.  So, but I'm fine.  This is a precaution.  Yeah, OK, we nailed that, guys.

INTERVIEW COMPLETE

Back to top

Tsonga Interview

AAMI Classic Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club

Questions for Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

(11/01/12)

MEDIA QUESTIONS:

Q           Welcome back, Jo.

A           Thank you.

Q           Jo, there was some suggestion that you were a little bit jetlagged.  Can you comment on that?

A           Yeah, I know.  I'm not feeling very well because of the jetlag of course.  You know, we would practice a lot.  We want to be ready for the – for the Australian Open, and today was difficult with the conditions to – to play.  So – so, yeah, I'm not feeling really good today.

Q           In conditions like that, is there any point in really – do the viewers and you get anything out of that (indistinct)?

A           You know, it's really difficult to play in the wind, and I'm not used to it anymore because now all the time when I play, I play in big stadiums, you know, and it's sometimes not really open.  And so we don't have, you know, a lot of – a lot of wind on the court.  So of course when we – when we come back on the – on conditions like this, no, it's difficult for us.

Q           What are your feelings so far relating to this year?  Do you have any expectations for yourself this year?

A           Yeah, of course I have big expectations, but not especially because – because I (indistinct).  You know, I expect to – to play well since – since I'm a kid, and every day, you know, my wish, you know, to win a Grand Slam (indistinct) and so I try to – I try to improve my game to do that.

Q           You've beaten Federer, Nadal and (indistinct).  Do you think you have the ability to consistently beat, to push your way into the top four this year?

A           You know, I work for that.  I work for that.  And – and that's it, you know.  This is what I want.  If I can – if I can beat them, you know, consecutively, you know, it's going to be something really big for me, so – so I will continue to work for, to achieve, you know, this – this.

Q           You still travel without a coach.  Is that going to continue?  Do you think you'll keep playing without a coach?

A           You know, for the moment I continue to improve my game without, and but, you know, I try to get some advice, you know, to some other players who played in the – in the past.  And for the moment, you know, I'm good like this, and I know I will see in the future.

Q           And I think I have read that you said that you are playing with more freedom, more of leaning back to your, maybe your natural style?

A           Yeah, but I think it was just my situation, you know.  I think it's not for everybody.  You know, it was my situation.  I mean, I cannot say, you know, if you don't have a coach, you feel free.  That's not, you know, correct for the other player or – but for me, it was my situation, you know.  I've played since I'm seven, and I'm growing up with the federation.  And you know, I was – I didn't take, you know, all the decisions for me alone.  And that's what – that's why, you know, it was my situation to – I felt a bit (in French).

Q           Is there any particular Grand Slam you'd rather win first than any other?

A           Not really, you know.  I like them all.  I think they all have a special atmosphere.  And honestly I like all of them.

Q           You came very close here in Australia a couple of years ago?

A           Yeah, I was really close here.  I think I was close in Wimbledon also.  Yeah, it's like that, I think.  It's like that.

Q           Melbourne Park was your best final, and obviously having given a huge (indistinct) to your own career.  When you come back here, do you have the same feeling?  Do you get a bit of a confidence boost when you go to Melbourne Park every year, or is it the same for everywhere?

A           I don't know if it was a boost or not.  Because, you know, before that, you know, I played well.  I had a lot of problem with injury before that.  And then I came back, and I think the big time, you know, was before that for me.  But of course it gave me confidence, you know, to continue and to say, OK, I played a final.  Maybe I can do more, so I need to improve.  I need to work.  And that's why I am still here, and I want, you know, I want to continue to play and to progress.

FRENCH QUESTIONS:

            (In French.)

INTERVIEW COMPLETE

Back to top

Melzer Interview

AAMI Classic Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club

Questions for Jurgen Melzer

(11/01/12)

MEDIA QUESTIONS:

Q           Jurgen, in the conditions like that is there really - are you able to gain much from that really?

A           Well, it's tough.  I mean - I mean everybody saw that it was really - it was ugly out there to play today.  I mean you - we could - I mean I was serving aces with 120 ks, so that hardly ever happens.  But apart from the wind I think there were a few things.  I mean I did well out there.  I kept the ball in the middle of the court.  I tried not to miss and the - probably most positive thing is that I won the match and that's - that's basically it.

Q           You used an expression on TV and I didn't quite catch it, but it was something like leave the church in - - -

A           Leave the church - church in a village.  We - - -

Q           What does that mean?  Is it - - -

A           It means like it's - see - yeah, see things realistic and - and because he asked me - like, "What does it - do you gain a lot of confidence after a win against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in his big form"?  And then I just said, "Yeah, well, that's what we say in (indistinct) German.  I don't if - you cannot really translate it but - no".  I mean I know that it was - it was tough conditions out there and it's not - I'm not going to blow it out of proportion.

Q           Is that as bad as (indistinct) that you played (indistinct)?

A           Well, I have played - I think it was probably 12 years ago - I don't know - here - played a qualification match at Melbourne Park where it was pretty much the same.  I mean there's not much you can do.  We don't have rules against it so you go out there and - and try to play.  It's - it's tough and specially also for the spectators because I mean you don't see good tennis. 

Q           Is it tough to sort sum up your good year as (indistinct) and what you want to (indistinct)?

A           Well, for me after having a lot of injuries - 2011 and especially after - I mean I reach top ten in April or something or - or in January and then having a career high of eight after Monte Carlo it was tough for me to see myself going down the rankings.  I mean I knew the reasons.  It will - was my body just couldn't take it last year and I've been working a lot in the off season.  I'm trying to stabilised my - especially my back and hopefully it holds up.  And then I'm looking forward to play a -little more tournaments and like use my energy as wisely and then we see how - where I am at the end of the 2012 season.

Q           Is your back a sort of ongoing problem that you have been having?

A           Well, actually it started in Rome last year and I did something there in a physical workout, and we could not actually - I don't know - get rid of it last year.  And it was stupid to keep on playing and - and trying to like get ready for each tournament and I wasn't able to practice anymore.  I was just getting ready for the tournament, and that's when you lose confidence and when your performance goes down, and so it would've been much smarter to just take two months off.  Take whatever it takes off and - and get ready but, you know, it's trial and error and hopefully I'll - I'll do it better.  Well, next time for sure I'll do it better.

Q           Is that still something that's in your mind?  In the back of your mind (indistinct)

A           No, it's not.  Well, I think I would lie if I would say it's completely out of it because it has troubled me a lot last year so - but at the moment I'm feeling fine and - and I have no - I have been practising five hours a day.  Also tennis.  I've played a lot of tennis and it has been holding up and so far I'm - I'm happy with the way it is.

Q           How much do you feel injuries - and play a match like today with windy conditions, cold, (indistinct) is risky?

A           It - well, yeah, it's risky of course but I mean every time you step on the court you can do something but I mean of course when the ball is going like this and you have to adjust sometimes it's - it can be dangerous but I mean we're professional athletes.  We go out there with - I mean the people pay I think a fair price to watch us play, so we can go out there and try our best to - to entertain them.

Q           Now, Jurgen, Andy was asked yesterday on what he thought of our young Australian, Bernard Tomic.  What are your thoughts on seeing him so far and if you should play him?

A           Well, I think he has improved a lot.  I have - to be honest I haven't seen him play much.  Last year of course in Wimbledon, where he had his run to the quarters and saw - saw one match in - in Brisbane.  Now, I mean he - he has improved.  He's taking a little more charge.  He's not as passive anymore as he used to be and - well, I mean he's - what is he?  Eighteen years old, 19 years old?  He has the future ahead of him and he just has to I think work on - work on his issues.  I mean I think fitness was one thing that everybody said he's not fit enough.  It's tough to be fit enough when you're 18 years old.  I mean this is something you have to improve over the years and you've got to give him time.  He has - he has a lot of tennis inside of him and - and really good talent and I think he also - what's very important he believes that he belongs up there.  He has a very - I mean he's very self confident I think and that's what - what it takes I think to get up there.  Although it's - I mean he's ranked 30-something in the world.  That's - it's still a step to - to where he wants to be and we will see how long it takes him until he gets there.

Q           (Indistinct) do you think (indistinct) spot in the top four in the next few months?

A           Well, of course he has it inside of him and he has beaten all of the top players but I think it's - top four - it's - they play very consistent and well, the only guy who I can see who's maybe dropping out of it will be Rafael if he has any, you know, injury, troubles or something.  Otherwise I think it's - it will be tough to - to get in there for him.

Q           Anymore?  Thank you.

Thank you.

INTERVIEW COMPLETE

Back to top