Dubai Tennis Championships
February 18 to March 2
Welcome back to Dubai. Out of ten, how was 2012 for you? It was a great year. I won Wimbledon and got back to world number one, which was an incredible achievement. I also won silver at the Olympics and three Masters titles. I don’t like to grade myself, but I felt that I tried hard and was really happy with what I achieved.
Still got it
That Wimbledon win saw you end a run of nine trophy-less Grand Slams – were you ever concerned that the best was over? I was not worried that I would not win a major title again; I knew that I had it inside me to be able to do it again and get back to number one if I was prepared to put in the hard work. I did and also made a lot of sacrifices to get back to the top, and I am very proud that I was able to do that.
You have a base here in Dubai. Does the Dubai Tennis Championships feel like a home tournament?
At the beginning of 2012, amid injuries, a blip in form and the consecration of new contenders, whispers began spreading that perhaps the greatest player in the history of tennis was past his best. Fast-forward 12 months and Roger Federer added Grand Slam number 17 to his collection, won an Olympic medal and reclaimed the top spot in the world rankings – Past it? Not a chance. Matt Priest grabbed a chat with the Swiss maestro ahead of his title defence at this month’s Dubai Tennis Championships
I really like playing in Dubai and I go there sometimes to do some training – so I do feel very comfortable. Over the many years that I have been playing here I have had quite a lot of success, which helps.
Current world number one Novak Djokovic joins you in Dubai – do the coming of age of players like him and Andy Murray motivate you? Novak has finished as the number one in the last two years, which is an incredible achievement. Andy also has stepped up, and after I beat him to win Wimbledon he beat me in the Olympic final and then went on to
THE CONTENDERS
As a veritable who’s who in the tennis world join reigning champ, Roger Federer, in battling it out for the crown, we take our pick of the contenders Novak Djokovic (Srb)
Tomas Berdych (Cze)
Juan Martin Del Potro (Arg)
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (Fra)
Andy has a good sense of humour. We don’t spend too much time together off the court as we are both very busy of course but yes, I would say he has a “I made good sense of humour and is a lot of very witty.
sacrifices to get back to the top and I am very proud that I was able to do it”
No, I actually think that the tennis–playing careers are lasting longer nowadays. There are several players over 30 who are doing quite well. Everyone is so fit out there and they really try to do the right things for their bodies. This is key in trying to play for a long time. I have been lucky not to have too many major injuries in my career.
Speaking of Rafa, you filmed an advert with him recently, which had you guys giggling like schoolgirls for ten minutes. Is it possible to be friends with players whom you compete against so fiercely? That was actually to promote our charity matches; it was so funny – we could not stop laughing. Rafa and I have known each other for a number of years and we have a lot of respect for each other. We forever will be associated with the sport of tennis, as our rivalry has been well documented. I really enjoy Rafa as he is such a great player and he cares deeply about the sport.
You’ve won 17 Grand Slam singles titles – more than any other man in history. How many more do you want? I am very happy with what I have achieved to date, and as long as I am still out playing, I feel I can give myself a chance to add to this number.
Do you even know how many career titles you have won? Yes, I do: I have won 76. I also remember when I reached my 100th career final.
What have been the most memorable moments in your career? I have had a fantastic career, achieving much more than I would have ever dreamed of. I have so many great memories, most recently winning Wimbledon last year and returning to number one in the world to break the record for the most ever weeks at number one – 302 weeks.
Do you have any superstitions? Not really. Many people say my superstition is not being superstitious. But all athletes have rituals, and I am no different – but they don’t consume me.
QUEENS OF THE COURT
Victoria Azarenka (Ber)
Ranking: 6 Grand Slams: 0
Ranking: 7 Grand Slams: 1
Ranking: 8 Grand Slams: 0
Ranking: 1 Grand Slams: 2
There are no superlatives left to describe the world number one after two years of near domination. Annoyingly, as we found out when we interviewed him in December, he’s also a really nice guy. Favourite.
Leading the Czech Republic to the Davis Cup title at the end of 2012 was the high point of a good year for Berdych. With two tournament wins and a strong showing in the US Open, the future is looking up. Ascendant.
The four titles he won last year prove that the enormous Argentine is back to his best following a lingering wrist injury. His power is his main asset with his fastest serve clocked at 236km/h. Intimidating.
If born in a different era, Jo-Wilfried would easily have more than nine career titles. On a good day, the Frenchman can more than hold his own against the world’s best, but doesn’t quite have the consistency. Powerful.
Last month’s win at the Australian Open confirms that the tall Belarusian is currently the best player in the women’s game. Last year also saw her pocket a record-setting Dhs29 million in winnings. Dominant.
30_What’s On_02.2013
You’ve had issues with your back, Rafa Nadal has problems with his knees – do you think that tennis has become a young man’s game?
Tell us, is Andy Murray grumpy off court too?
With nine of the world’s top ten women competing in Dubai, we take our best punt at who will be in contention come the business end of the tournament
Ranking: 1 Grand Slams: 6
February 25 to March 2 Dubai Tennis Stadium, Garhoud, Dubai, 2pm, Dhs50 to Dhs450. Tel: (04) 4172415. Metro: GGICO. dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com
win the US Open. He had been knocking at the door for a long time so his success was very much earned. It’s good to have such rivals to continue to push you to work hard and improve your game.
Serena Williams (US) Ranking: 3 Grand Slams: 15 Despite her ‘lowly’ ranking as world number three, there is little doubt that the younger Williams sister is one of the greatest women to ever pick up a tennis racquet. Legend.
Agnieszka Radwanska (Pol)
Caroline Wozniacki (Den)
Ranking: 4 Grand Slams: 0
Ranking: 10 Grand Slams: 0
Definitely the form player coming into these championships, this chirpy crowd-favourite has already won two tournaments this year, and what is frightening is that she is still only 23. Form.
A shaky start to 2013 could work in the former world number one’s favour – as all the pressure is off. We wonder if her superstar boyfriend Rory McIlroy will pop by to cheer her on. Underdog.
February 18 to 23 Dubai Tennis Stadium, Garhoud, Dubai, 2pm, Dhs50 to Dhs450. Tel: (04) 4172415. Metro: GGICO. dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com
02.2013_What’s On_31