Here is an interview with Shiv Kumar Batalavi conducted in UK in the 70s.
What happens to mortgage in case of demise?
15 years ago
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Pete Sampras - US Open !995
R128 Meligeni, Fernando (BRA) 54 6-0 6-3 6-4
R64 Yzaga, Jaime (PER) 69 6-1 6-4 6-3
R32 Philippoussis, Mark (AUS) 93 6-7(5) 7-5 7-5 6-3
R16 Martin, Todd (USA) 16 7-6(4) 6-3 6-4
Q Black, Byron (ZIM) 70 7-6(3) 6-4 6-0
S Courier, Jim (USA) 15 7-5 4-6 6-4 7-5
W Agassi, Andre (USA) 1 6-4 6-3 4-6 7-5
Interview after the FINAL after beating his B****H Agassi.
Q. What is the money for? Did you cash your check already?
PETE SAMPRAS: I am ready.
Q. Rankings aside, you are No. 1?
PETE SAMPRAS: You know, it depends how you look at it. I mean, Andre has been a lot more consistent than I have this year. He has won a lot more titles, but, you know, I feel if you win two of the Majors, there should be a strong possibility you should be No. 1, but like I said, he has been a lot more consistent; won more titles. My year has been a little up and down, but, you know, it is the computer, you know, I can't -- I can't rig it.
Q. What do you think your chances are of catching him in the points by the end of the year or whenever?
PETE SAMPRAS: I don't know. I haven't seen the points. I am at this point going to go home and enjoy this and I got a Davis Cup Tie in another week or so, and so, I hopefully I can end the year strong, but he has been a lot more consistent as far as his results.
Q. Would you take the U.S. Open and Wimbledon over his titles?
PETE SAMPRAS: Yes, I would.
Q. When you play Andre in a big match, do you not just feel like it is for this title, but you are sort of playing for the title, you know, that there is always more at stake than just, you know, the circumstances; there is that feeling --
PETE SAMPRAS: Well, you know, walking on the court today, I could really feel the electricity -- the electricity just went out (audience laughter) Would you believe that?
Q. You are good, Pete.
PETE SAMPRAS: And, you know, looking forward to the new stadium, aren't we? Yeah, it is different. When Andre and I play each other, I find that he is the one guy I can go out and play good tennis; he can still beat me and I can't say that about a lot of the guys on the Tour. He has the best return of serve in the game and, you know, walking out today I feel like I needed to be at my best, and that is really the bottom line when I play Andre, if I am not at my best, the way he has played this summer this year, you know, I felt that I was always under a little bit of pressure today. I was up two sets and a break and I just-- I really didn't feel at that point that I had him, you know, and -- but it is always different. This is a rivalry that I hope gets more and more popular. I think it is, getting to the final here and playing pretty good tennis. So, you know, got a lot of respect for him.
Q. You would have been disappointed if he lost yesterday, wouldn't you?
PETE SAMPRAS: Well, it would have been a different match playing Boris, but, you know, when you have a chance to win the U.S. Open title you want to beat the best player in the world, and he is -- as far as in my mind one of the best players in the world.
Q. Have you at any time in the last two weeks thought about how you left here last year; you were in pain; it was a really tough loss, and can you contrast that with how you are going to leave here today?
PETE SAMPRAS: I tried to put what happened last year behind me. It was a tough, tough situation not being in shape; came out here and really was so unprepared that I didn't have any energy, and this year, I had a good summer, but not a great summer. I was in good shape. I felt that I could hopefully raise my level as the two weeks went on and I did that. I really did. I mean, yesterday and today was my best tennis and I just kind of picked the right time. That is what it takes sometimes.
Q. What is the most gratifying part of this one?
PETE SAMPRAS: Beating Andre. I mean, you know, would have -- it is always -- it would have been different if I would have played Boris and beaten him. I would have been just as happy, but it is always a little bit different when I can beat Andre 1 and 2 in the world, both American, and, you know, to beat him makes me feel a little better than if I had beaten someone else.
Q. Let us just say for the fun of it you are the editor of a leading sports magazine. Would you put the men's champion of the U.S. Open considering all he has gone through this year and what he has accomplished athletically, would you put him on the cover or Deion Sanders and why?
PETE SAMPRAS: Who is Deion Sanders? (audience laughter)
Q. Nike client.
PETE SAMPRAS: I really didn't understand the question.
Q. Do you think you deserve to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated?
PETE SAMPRAS: I won my third Wimbledon and I didn't get on there, so hopefully now I will get on there.
Q. Steffi won her fourth. Pete, how did you feel about the set point first set, after the set point in the first set?
PETE SAMPRAS: Probably one of the best points I have ever been a part of. I mean, even if I would have lost it, it would have felt a lot worse, that is for sure. We are both running each other around and I just flicked off a good backhand. I was pretty winded after that, regained my composure and played a pretty good first game. That was a huge point. I certainly hope that makes the play of the day.
Q. How many times, Pete, did you think you had won that point before you actually won it two or three times when you'd actually thought you had hit a winner?
PETE SAMPRAS: On that set point?
Q. Yeah.
PETE SAMPRAS: Yeah, I felt, you know, not really. I mean, I felt he is quick. I mean, and I felt if I could just keep him moving; keep him moving, I could get a short ball and come in, but I never really felt I had a winner until I hit that backhand. But it was an unbelievable point, and, you know, thank God I won it.
Q. Pete, Paul was just in here. He talked about how many great all-around gifts you have; how many things you can do. Is there anything that you in your own mind would like more of, or wish to have to a greater degree?
PETE SAMPRAS: I think I am extremely happy the way I served and my volleys, but I still feel like I can return a little bit better. I still feel like I can improve. I really believe that. I can be a little bit more solid from the backcourt. I mean, I don't think there will be a day where I am satisfied with my tennis. I always want to get better, and that is -- that is what gets me up in the morning to practice is trying to get even better and playing someone like Andre, you know, he has beaten me a couple of times, three times this year; he forces you to try and change some things, chip and charge a little bit, serve and volley, my second serve and try to add a little bit more to my game, so, that --
Q. Did you cut yourself when you belly flopped?
PETE SAMPRAS: Yeah.
Q. Oh, I see.
PETE SAMPRAS: Right here.
Q. Did you feel like a great chance had gone at the end of the third set that maybe he was ready to go and now all of a sudden you are in the fourth set, and --
PETE SAMPRAS: Well, when I was up a break in the third, I was holding my serve pretty easily, and I just felt, especially that -- one way with the wind going that way, I just hit a couple of -- hit a couple of bad doubles, really bad doubles. And then he started to get some confidence. He won the third set and the crowd started really getting behind him. I was -- still felt I was up a set and he had a long weighed to go to beat me. And -- but it would have been nicer to hold on there and maybe get another break in the third, but he is a tough guy to put away. I mean, you need to play a high level for three straight sets; that is tough to do sometimes. I maintained that for a couple of sets, but I just got a little bit tight at that point; maybe saw the trophy in my hand, but you know, he came up with some good stuff.
Q. Pete, in the fourth set, in the first game, you had a breakpoint; you missed the forehand quite easily. What you did you say to yourself, gosh, maybe I am going to lose, maybe something is happening; the match can turn; around; were you afraid a bit?
PETE SAMPRAS: Well, that was a great opportunity to lose the third, come back and break him first game in the fourth. I had a pretty easy shot and -- but, you know, you can't worry about what happened in the last point. Just have to move ahead, and hopefully stay on my serve and I served -- I was surprised myself how well I served today. Because the conditions were so windy that my ball toss was going all over the place that was the one shot that kind of saved me today, my serve.
Q. Did you ever hit an all ace game against him?
PETE SAMPRAS: No.
Q. How do you hit an all ace game any day against anybody? How difficult is that? Is it difficult even for you?
PETE SAMPRAS: It is just -- you just get in a great groove. It is like throwing three strikes or striking out two people. You know, you just -- everything just clicks, and you starting to feel that you can, you know, toss it up there and hit the line and that is what I have to do against Andre. If I don't hit a great serve he is going to make me volley and so, you know, got a little bit lucky and snapped off a couple of good aces.
Q. Andre said he woke up this morning feeling a little sluggish; that he played sort of a step slow. Could you sense that and how did you wake up feeling this morning?
PETE SAMPRAS: I felt pretty good. I think the fact that I played first yesterday and he played second, he got done at 9 o'clock, I think, you know, he has had a long summer and maybe was a little bit fatigued at the end. I felt pretty good. I felt this is a great opportunity and no time for excuses as far as being sore or tired. You just need to suck it up and do whatever you can.
Q. Andre also said that when he will look back, they may not necessarily really remember who has been ranked No. 1, but people will always remember the Slams. Is that how you see it?
PETE SAMPRAS: Absolutely. Absolutely. I mean, when you look back at the greatest players of all time we look at the number of Slams they have won and the ranking is something everyone just takes for granted as far as McEnroe being No. 1 or Connors being No. 1. In my mind, the major titles is the most important thing, in my year and the fact that I have won two, really ends my year on a great note.
Q. Now, Pete you have won seven Slam titles now, I think you are four behind Borg and maybe five behind Emerson. Do you think about that and is getting the most Slam titles a goal of yours; breaking the all-time record?
PETE SAMPRAS: It is something I haven't really thought about breaking the record. I just see myself preparing the best I can for Majors mentally and physically getting ready and it is not really like a goal I put on my chalk board; I am going to break Emerson's record. I still feel that the French is the one thing that is missing and that is a pretty tough challenge for me to win there, so that -- you know, something I haven't thought about as far as the record.
Q. Ever come up to your mind the final at the U.S. Open final five years ago?
PETE SAMPRAS: Not really.
Q. Would you like Wimbledon to introduce Super Saturday, Pete?
PETE SAMPRAS: Super Saturday is great for the fans and the TV, but as far as the players are concerned, I think it is very difficult to play back-to-back three, five set matches. Andre got done late last night, and to have a day off in between, you know, the tennis might have looked -- might have been a little better, so I kind of like that day off in between. Super Saturday is, you know, he got done at 9 o'clock and he played today at 4; you don't have a lot of time to recover. I think think that is tough on the body; especially on this court, but I like to see Wimbledon stay as it is.
Q. This tournament seems wholly unlike you, loud, raucous, all those kind of things. When you come here do you try to assume a different mindset, say, for a different tournament so you can get through all of the --
PETE SAMPRAS: Not really.
Q. environment?
PETE SAMPRAS: No, the environment is --, you know, I am not changing my attitude or the way I am playing because of the crowd. I mean, I am just going out and trying to play good tennis and trying to win and I will show some emotion, when it is 5-4, set point I will be playing that great point, you know, I just prepare as well as I can and hopefully come out ahead.
Q. Is there a feeling of exhilaration out there, maybe there is no time for it when you think, here we are, the two greatest players in the world, the whole world is watching us, does that enter into it when you are out there?
PETE SAMPRAS: Not really. It is me against him. And, you know, you don't think about the crowd, or the TV, or who is watching at home. You just --
Q. You could be on a court alone, nobody...
PETE SAMPRAS: Yeah, you are so zoned and focused in on the match in what you are trying to do; there is no time to think about who is watching and whatever.
Q. Andre said he would play you again tomorrow for $100. Would you play him tomorrow?
PETE SAMPRAS: Absolutely.
Q. Didn't you look up there? There was one interruption when Arnold Schwarznegger arrived. Did you realize that?
PETE SAMPRAS: I realized that.
Q. Did you know who it was or anything?
PETE SAMPRAS: Yeah, yeah, well, I was ready to serve; the crowd was doing something and...
Q. Is that distracting?
PETE SAMPRAS: A little bit. A little bit. I saw -- I hit an ace up the middle and I saw
John F. Kennedy Jr. - honest to God. I said, "God, he looked a little familiar."
Q. Does that put any kind of new perspective when you realize people of this magnitude are present and have you raised tennis to such a level that now these guys are here?
PETE SAMPRAS: No.
Q. Doesn't mean anything to you?
PETE SAMPRAS: No. Really doesn't.
Q. When did you see Arnold?
PETE SAMPRAS: I was ready to serve; the crowd was doing something. I looked over and there he was, "the Terminator."
Q. What was with the shirt today?
PETE SAMPRAS: It is too long.
R64 Yzaga, Jaime (PER) 69 6-1 6-4 6-3
R32 Philippoussis, Mark (AUS) 93 6-7(5) 7-5 7-5 6-3
R16 Martin, Todd (USA) 16 7-6(4) 6-3 6-4
Q Black, Byron (ZIM) 70 7-6(3) 6-4 6-0
S Courier, Jim (USA) 15 7-5 4-6 6-4 7-5
W Agassi, Andre (USA) 1 6-4 6-3 4-6 7-5
Interview after the FINAL after beating his B****H Agassi.
Q. What is the money for? Did you cash your check already?
PETE SAMPRAS: I am ready.
Q. Rankings aside, you are No. 1?
PETE SAMPRAS: You know, it depends how you look at it. I mean, Andre has been a lot more consistent than I have this year. He has won a lot more titles, but, you know, I feel if you win two of the Majors, there should be a strong possibility you should be No. 1, but like I said, he has been a lot more consistent; won more titles. My year has been a little up and down, but, you know, it is the computer, you know, I can't -- I can't rig it.
Q. What do you think your chances are of catching him in the points by the end of the year or whenever?
PETE SAMPRAS: I don't know. I haven't seen the points. I am at this point going to go home and enjoy this and I got a Davis Cup Tie in another week or so, and so, I hopefully I can end the year strong, but he has been a lot more consistent as far as his results.
Q. Would you take the U.S. Open and Wimbledon over his titles?
PETE SAMPRAS: Yes, I would.
Q. When you play Andre in a big match, do you not just feel like it is for this title, but you are sort of playing for the title, you know, that there is always more at stake than just, you know, the circumstances; there is that feeling --
PETE SAMPRAS: Well, you know, walking on the court today, I could really feel the electricity -- the electricity just went out (audience laughter) Would you believe that?
Q. You are good, Pete.
PETE SAMPRAS: And, you know, looking forward to the new stadium, aren't we? Yeah, it is different. When Andre and I play each other, I find that he is the one guy I can go out and play good tennis; he can still beat me and I can't say that about a lot of the guys on the Tour. He has the best return of serve in the game and, you know, walking out today I feel like I needed to be at my best, and that is really the bottom line when I play Andre, if I am not at my best, the way he has played this summer this year, you know, I felt that I was always under a little bit of pressure today. I was up two sets and a break and I just-- I really didn't feel at that point that I had him, you know, and -- but it is always different. This is a rivalry that I hope gets more and more popular. I think it is, getting to the final here and playing pretty good tennis. So, you know, got a lot of respect for him.
Q. You would have been disappointed if he lost yesterday, wouldn't you?
PETE SAMPRAS: Well, it would have been a different match playing Boris, but, you know, when you have a chance to win the U.S. Open title you want to beat the best player in the world, and he is -- as far as in my mind one of the best players in the world.
Q. Have you at any time in the last two weeks thought about how you left here last year; you were in pain; it was a really tough loss, and can you contrast that with how you are going to leave here today?
PETE SAMPRAS: I tried to put what happened last year behind me. It was a tough, tough situation not being in shape; came out here and really was so unprepared that I didn't have any energy, and this year, I had a good summer, but not a great summer. I was in good shape. I felt that I could hopefully raise my level as the two weeks went on and I did that. I really did. I mean, yesterday and today was my best tennis and I just kind of picked the right time. That is what it takes sometimes.
Q. What is the most gratifying part of this one?
PETE SAMPRAS: Beating Andre. I mean, you know, would have -- it is always -- it would have been different if I would have played Boris and beaten him. I would have been just as happy, but it is always a little bit different when I can beat Andre 1 and 2 in the world, both American, and, you know, to beat him makes me feel a little better than if I had beaten someone else.
Q. Let us just say for the fun of it you are the editor of a leading sports magazine. Would you put the men's champion of the U.S. Open considering all he has gone through this year and what he has accomplished athletically, would you put him on the cover or Deion Sanders and why?
PETE SAMPRAS: Who is Deion Sanders? (audience laughter)
Q. Nike client.
PETE SAMPRAS: I really didn't understand the question.
Q. Do you think you deserve to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated?
PETE SAMPRAS: I won my third Wimbledon and I didn't get on there, so hopefully now I will get on there.
Q. Steffi won her fourth. Pete, how did you feel about the set point first set, after the set point in the first set?
PETE SAMPRAS: Probably one of the best points I have ever been a part of. I mean, even if I would have lost it, it would have felt a lot worse, that is for sure. We are both running each other around and I just flicked off a good backhand. I was pretty winded after that, regained my composure and played a pretty good first game. That was a huge point. I certainly hope that makes the play of the day.
Q. How many times, Pete, did you think you had won that point before you actually won it two or three times when you'd actually thought you had hit a winner?
PETE SAMPRAS: On that set point?
Q. Yeah.
PETE SAMPRAS: Yeah, I felt, you know, not really. I mean, I felt he is quick. I mean, and I felt if I could just keep him moving; keep him moving, I could get a short ball and come in, but I never really felt I had a winner until I hit that backhand. But it was an unbelievable point, and, you know, thank God I won it.
Q. Pete, Paul was just in here. He talked about how many great all-around gifts you have; how many things you can do. Is there anything that you in your own mind would like more of, or wish to have to a greater degree?
PETE SAMPRAS: I think I am extremely happy the way I served and my volleys, but I still feel like I can return a little bit better. I still feel like I can improve. I really believe that. I can be a little bit more solid from the backcourt. I mean, I don't think there will be a day where I am satisfied with my tennis. I always want to get better, and that is -- that is what gets me up in the morning to practice is trying to get even better and playing someone like Andre, you know, he has beaten me a couple of times, three times this year; he forces you to try and change some things, chip and charge a little bit, serve and volley, my second serve and try to add a little bit more to my game, so, that --
Q. Did you cut yourself when you belly flopped?
PETE SAMPRAS: Yeah.
Q. Oh, I see.
PETE SAMPRAS: Right here.
Q. Did you feel like a great chance had gone at the end of the third set that maybe he was ready to go and now all of a sudden you are in the fourth set, and --
PETE SAMPRAS: Well, when I was up a break in the third, I was holding my serve pretty easily, and I just felt, especially that -- one way with the wind going that way, I just hit a couple of -- hit a couple of bad doubles, really bad doubles. And then he started to get some confidence. He won the third set and the crowd started really getting behind him. I was -- still felt I was up a set and he had a long weighed to go to beat me. And -- but it would have been nicer to hold on there and maybe get another break in the third, but he is a tough guy to put away. I mean, you need to play a high level for three straight sets; that is tough to do sometimes. I maintained that for a couple of sets, but I just got a little bit tight at that point; maybe saw the trophy in my hand, but you know, he came up with some good stuff.
Q. Pete, in the fourth set, in the first game, you had a breakpoint; you missed the forehand quite easily. What you did you say to yourself, gosh, maybe I am going to lose, maybe something is happening; the match can turn; around; were you afraid a bit?
PETE SAMPRAS: Well, that was a great opportunity to lose the third, come back and break him first game in the fourth. I had a pretty easy shot and -- but, you know, you can't worry about what happened in the last point. Just have to move ahead, and hopefully stay on my serve and I served -- I was surprised myself how well I served today. Because the conditions were so windy that my ball toss was going all over the place that was the one shot that kind of saved me today, my serve.
Q. Did you ever hit an all ace game against him?
PETE SAMPRAS: No.
Q. How do you hit an all ace game any day against anybody? How difficult is that? Is it difficult even for you?
PETE SAMPRAS: It is just -- you just get in a great groove. It is like throwing three strikes or striking out two people. You know, you just -- everything just clicks, and you starting to feel that you can, you know, toss it up there and hit the line and that is what I have to do against Andre. If I don't hit a great serve he is going to make me volley and so, you know, got a little bit lucky and snapped off a couple of good aces.
Q. Andre said he woke up this morning feeling a little sluggish; that he played sort of a step slow. Could you sense that and how did you wake up feeling this morning?
PETE SAMPRAS: I felt pretty good. I think the fact that I played first yesterday and he played second, he got done at 9 o'clock, I think, you know, he has had a long summer and maybe was a little bit fatigued at the end. I felt pretty good. I felt this is a great opportunity and no time for excuses as far as being sore or tired. You just need to suck it up and do whatever you can.
Q. Andre also said that when he will look back, they may not necessarily really remember who has been ranked No. 1, but people will always remember the Slams. Is that how you see it?
PETE SAMPRAS: Absolutely. Absolutely. I mean, when you look back at the greatest players of all time we look at the number of Slams they have won and the ranking is something everyone just takes for granted as far as McEnroe being No. 1 or Connors being No. 1. In my mind, the major titles is the most important thing, in my year and the fact that I have won two, really ends my year on a great note.
Q. Now, Pete you have won seven Slam titles now, I think you are four behind Borg and maybe five behind Emerson. Do you think about that and is getting the most Slam titles a goal of yours; breaking the all-time record?
PETE SAMPRAS: It is something I haven't really thought about breaking the record. I just see myself preparing the best I can for Majors mentally and physically getting ready and it is not really like a goal I put on my chalk board; I am going to break Emerson's record. I still feel that the French is the one thing that is missing and that is a pretty tough challenge for me to win there, so that -- you know, something I haven't thought about as far as the record.
Q. Ever come up to your mind the final at the U.S. Open final five years ago?
PETE SAMPRAS: Not really.
Q. Would you like Wimbledon to introduce Super Saturday, Pete?
PETE SAMPRAS: Super Saturday is great for the fans and the TV, but as far as the players are concerned, I think it is very difficult to play back-to-back three, five set matches. Andre got done late last night, and to have a day off in between, you know, the tennis might have looked -- might have been a little better, so I kind of like that day off in between. Super Saturday is, you know, he got done at 9 o'clock and he played today at 4; you don't have a lot of time to recover. I think think that is tough on the body; especially on this court, but I like to see Wimbledon stay as it is.
Q. This tournament seems wholly unlike you, loud, raucous, all those kind of things. When you come here do you try to assume a different mindset, say, for a different tournament so you can get through all of the --
PETE SAMPRAS: Not really.
Q. environment?
PETE SAMPRAS: No, the environment is --, you know, I am not changing my attitude or the way I am playing because of the crowd. I mean, I am just going out and trying to play good tennis and trying to win and I will show some emotion, when it is 5-4, set point I will be playing that great point, you know, I just prepare as well as I can and hopefully come out ahead.
Q. Is there a feeling of exhilaration out there, maybe there is no time for it when you think, here we are, the two greatest players in the world, the whole world is watching us, does that enter into it when you are out there?
PETE SAMPRAS: Not really. It is me against him. And, you know, you don't think about the crowd, or the TV, or who is watching at home. You just --
Q. You could be on a court alone, nobody...
PETE SAMPRAS: Yeah, you are so zoned and focused in on the match in what you are trying to do; there is no time to think about who is watching and whatever.
Q. Andre said he would play you again tomorrow for $100. Would you play him tomorrow?
PETE SAMPRAS: Absolutely.
Q. Didn't you look up there? There was one interruption when Arnold Schwarznegger arrived. Did you realize that?
PETE SAMPRAS: I realized that.
Q. Did you know who it was or anything?
PETE SAMPRAS: Yeah, yeah, well, I was ready to serve; the crowd was doing something and...
Q. Is that distracting?
PETE SAMPRAS: A little bit. A little bit. I saw -- I hit an ace up the middle and I saw
John F. Kennedy Jr. - honest to God. I said, "God, he looked a little familiar."
Q. Does that put any kind of new perspective when you realize people of this magnitude are present and have you raised tennis to such a level that now these guys are here?
PETE SAMPRAS: No.
Q. Doesn't mean anything to you?
PETE SAMPRAS: No. Really doesn't.
Q. When did you see Arnold?
PETE SAMPRAS: I was ready to serve; the crowd was doing something. I looked over and there he was, "the Terminator."
Q. What was with the shirt today?
PETE SAMPRAS: It is too long.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
1st Test: Australia v Sri Lanka at Brisbane, Nov 8-12, 2007 - Day 1
Defensive tactics by Sri Lanka
Sri Lankans won the toss but lost its advantage when they decided to bowl first. By batting first they would have ensured the right to bowl in the fourth innings if the match lasted that long. And with Murali in the ranks, even a small total would have been defensible in the fourth innings.
Instead they chose to play it safe. They chose to field first as they probably did not want to face the Australian pacers on the first morning. It sends a wrong message. You have no chance of beating the Australians if you play defensive. You have to go for it all the time. Constantly try to pressure them.
Well it seems that all the talk from Sangakarra before the series began about annoying the opposition and playing to win, was just that, talk.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Stanislas Wawrinka interview part 2 - His relationship with Federer, childhood et al
TM: Your parents, who weren't in the tennis world, did they support your choice?
SW: They never went against my will. They've always supported my choices even if they weren't playing themselves and even if they were living in a universe totally away from mine today (smiles).
TM: Very far from that indeed....
SW: They run a farm in Switzerland which is actually a social center and curative place. It's just next to a castel from which the farm is only some yards away. It's not theirs, it's owned by the owner of the castel. They run it and handle it.That's a farm where everything's biological. There are vegetables, wheat, they bake bread, without forgetting of course, the animals, the milk. My parents are in charge of the whole production, and, at the same time, they take care of disabled people, sometimes, extremely heavily, who they try to help thanks to the work on the farm. The people live in the castel but work on the farm.
TM: How many years have they been developing this concept?
SW: That's very old as my dad's father was already in this adventure. The castel is owned by an institution that's been developping that insertion process for dozens of years. That's a place I've always known, even though it's changed a bit lately, as there's been some work to renovate the flats and the stables. I've grown up there and I go back there pretty frequently.
TM: So, that was a pretty rural childhood?
SW: Very rural indeed. With my dad, I just loved to go to the fields. Harvesting, that was a real pleasure (smiles). The harvest time.....
TM: Do you still have some spare time to help them?
SW: I go back there pretty often, but now, I am pretty busy in summer (smiles). So I have no time left to harvest with him.
TM: What's your parents's temperament?
SW: My dad's quiet, peacefull, he keeps all for him. He doesn't talk too much (smiles). My mum's more expressive. If there's a problem, she'll tend to say it straight.
TM: Growing up among disabled people, that's bound to be an experience for your entire life time.....
SW: Yes, of course. All the more that they are mentally disabled. Some new ones have arrived lately, but there are 11 old mates. Out of the 11, 4 of them were already there when my grandfather was running the farm. The other 7 ones, I have been knowning them for numerous years. Some are 60-70 years old.
TM: Did you tie great bonds with them?
SW: As a matter of fact, yes. I've grown up with them. Now, when I come back to the farm, they tell me that's great because they've seen me on tv. They tell me bravo, you've won! When do you play again? That's crazy because they've seen me when I was a baby.
TM: But were you with them all the time when you were a kid?
SW: No, not all the time. We had our own home. And I was having breakfast and diner with my parents. But lunch was common. I was eating with all the residents.
TM: Today, you're living in a world that's radically different from the one you used to grow up at the farm.....
SW: That has indeed nothing to do (smiles). The experience I've had at the farm helps me take my distance with all I see and live today. Puts things into perspective. But that doesn't mean it helps me accepting a loss. I won't consider it smaller because I know there's worse in life.
TM: Earlier on, you were saying you're ambitious. What are your goals?
SW: My long term goal, I've never said what it is and I'm gonna keep it for myself (smiles). I've always advanced with reasonable goals per year. In 2007, for instance, I'd like to be part of the best 20. Seems possible for me. As long as I am not in the Top 20, why should I look higher?
TM: You were born in 1985 like Marcos Baghdatis and Tomas Berdych, and so, you're a bit older than those who are talked about a lot, like Rafael Nadal, Richard Gasquet, Gaël Monfils, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray.....Do you feel like you're forgotten when we talk about that generation?
SW: No I have no bitterness as to that. These you're talking about have already done great things, which hasn't been my case so far. At the moment, Nadal is the strongest of all thanks to his results. Winning Roland Garros twice in a row isn't something that anyone can achieve. Otherwise, Gasquet's someone who's always impressed me because of his precocity and his talent (smiles).
TM: We're bound to talk about Roger Federer with you. Some former champions say today that his opponents respect him too much, that they just look at him, playing and winning. What is your opinion?
SW: Me, I tend to say that against Federer, you play better than usual (smiles). Because you have nothing to lose. The respect he causes has nothing to do with that. When I've watched his matches in 2006, I've often thought that the guys he was playing were more inspired than usual (smiles).
TM: You've played him twice. The 1st time was in Rotterdam, in 2004.....
SW: At that time, I didn't know him so well and he hadn't won all those titles he has now. But that was impressive. The stands were full. That was something.
TM: And when did you meet him for the very 1st time?
SW: I was 16 and it was in Bienne, at the Swiss training center. He needed a sparring partner before RG. We had trained for 1h30. He was number 12 at that time, I think. But I was already stressed (smiles). The 1st points had been exhausting. Not because of the effort but because my heart was running 300 (laughs).
TM: It's like, with the years passing by and with glory, he didn't really change.
SW: No. With me, he never was haughty. He never did anything different to have me feel he was above me. He stayed simple. That's even extraordinary to see that.
TM: How's your relation with him today?
SW: It's not easy to describe. Without being pretentious, I think we can say we're buddies (smiles). We call each other often, we also text each other even if most of the time, it's total crap (smiles). It must not be the best way to say it but he's a bit my older brother on the tour. He's always told me his cellphone was on if I needed advice or had questions on some ooponents. What's great is that he only gives me advice if I ask for some. He will never interfere intentionally. He lets me come and make the 1st step (smiles).
TM: And do you often call him?
SW: Often, no. But it happened several times last year. I've also asked him for advice on how to handle a career because what's also noticeable with him, it's that he's found a balance on every level. It's like everything's in order, professionally and privately. He's an example also for that.
TM: Were you disappointed that, one more time, he decides not to play the DC 1st round against Spain?
SW: He's got aschedule and I respect that. He's got his priorities and one of them is to remain n°1. At the time, I've been disappointed, but I totally understand his decision. It's not so much that with him, it would be easier, but he would make DC weeks even nicer because we get on very well.
TM: But he wants to win DC. Maybe he's waiting for his n°2 to assert himself which means you, so that he finally considers about aiming this high goal.
SW: Maybe, maybe. Up to 2003 and this semifinal lost against Australia, he was still playing, but maybe he's seen he was too isolated. Yes, he's waiting for a tougher team and also undoubtedly for a calendar which is easier or more adapted to him.
TM: We underlined it, you won RG Junior in 2003.
SW: Yes, and that was the only junior event that I played that year. The junior events, they really didn't have much importance for me. Actually, they had none (smiles). I've played it because it was RG and it was on clay, my fave surface. As a kid, that's the event I was watching the most. I could spend hours in front of my tv. So, I wanted to win at least a title there (smiles).
TM: What are your memories from RG, as a viewer?
SW: I really liked a lot Alex Corretja and so, I remember well, his 2 finals against Moya and Kuerten.
TM: To finish, it seems you've become a character more "people" in Switzerland lately...
SW: (smiles). Yes, because I live with someone who works for Swiss tv. So she's a bit famous in French speaking Switzerland, and she was also a model. She's older than me. When I started to date her, people started to talk a bit (smiles). It's 1 year and a half now that we're together and she brought me a lot of stability. I've found a balance between work and my private life. When I come back home, she's there, and that's good. At the moment, we live in Geneva. But we're trying to come back to Lausanne which is more relax. In Switzerland, you have a very peacefull and quiet life. Like me (smiles). I don't see myself live somewhere else
SW: They never went against my will. They've always supported my choices even if they weren't playing themselves and even if they were living in a universe totally away from mine today (smiles).
TM: Very far from that indeed....
SW: They run a farm in Switzerland which is actually a social center and curative place. It's just next to a castel from which the farm is only some yards away. It's not theirs, it's owned by the owner of the castel. They run it and handle it.That's a farm where everything's biological. There are vegetables, wheat, they bake bread, without forgetting of course, the animals, the milk. My parents are in charge of the whole production, and, at the same time, they take care of disabled people, sometimes, extremely heavily, who they try to help thanks to the work on the farm. The people live in the castel but work on the farm.
TM: How many years have they been developing this concept?
SW: That's very old as my dad's father was already in this adventure. The castel is owned by an institution that's been developping that insertion process for dozens of years. That's a place I've always known, even though it's changed a bit lately, as there's been some work to renovate the flats and the stables. I've grown up there and I go back there pretty frequently.
TM: So, that was a pretty rural childhood?
SW: Very rural indeed. With my dad, I just loved to go to the fields. Harvesting, that was a real pleasure (smiles). The harvest time.....
TM: Do you still have some spare time to help them?
SW: I go back there pretty often, but now, I am pretty busy in summer (smiles). So I have no time left to harvest with him.
TM: What's your parents's temperament?
SW: My dad's quiet, peacefull, he keeps all for him. He doesn't talk too much (smiles). My mum's more expressive. If there's a problem, she'll tend to say it straight.
TM: Growing up among disabled people, that's bound to be an experience for your entire life time.....
SW: Yes, of course. All the more that they are mentally disabled. Some new ones have arrived lately, but there are 11 old mates. Out of the 11, 4 of them were already there when my grandfather was running the farm. The other 7 ones, I have been knowning them for numerous years. Some are 60-70 years old.
TM: Did you tie great bonds with them?
SW: As a matter of fact, yes. I've grown up with them. Now, when I come back to the farm, they tell me that's great because they've seen me on tv. They tell me bravo, you've won! When do you play again? That's crazy because they've seen me when I was a baby.
TM: But were you with them all the time when you were a kid?
SW: No, not all the time. We had our own home. And I was having breakfast and diner with my parents. But lunch was common. I was eating with all the residents.
TM: Today, you're living in a world that's radically different from the one you used to grow up at the farm.....
SW: That has indeed nothing to do (smiles). The experience I've had at the farm helps me take my distance with all I see and live today. Puts things into perspective. But that doesn't mean it helps me accepting a loss. I won't consider it smaller because I know there's worse in life.
TM: Earlier on, you were saying you're ambitious. What are your goals?
SW: My long term goal, I've never said what it is and I'm gonna keep it for myself (smiles). I've always advanced with reasonable goals per year. In 2007, for instance, I'd like to be part of the best 20. Seems possible for me. As long as I am not in the Top 20, why should I look higher?
TM: You were born in 1985 like Marcos Baghdatis and Tomas Berdych, and so, you're a bit older than those who are talked about a lot, like Rafael Nadal, Richard Gasquet, Gaël Monfils, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray.....Do you feel like you're forgotten when we talk about that generation?
SW: No I have no bitterness as to that. These you're talking about have already done great things, which hasn't been my case so far. At the moment, Nadal is the strongest of all thanks to his results. Winning Roland Garros twice in a row isn't something that anyone can achieve. Otherwise, Gasquet's someone who's always impressed me because of his precocity and his talent (smiles).
TM: We're bound to talk about Roger Federer with you. Some former champions say today that his opponents respect him too much, that they just look at him, playing and winning. What is your opinion?
SW: Me, I tend to say that against Federer, you play better than usual (smiles). Because you have nothing to lose. The respect he causes has nothing to do with that. When I've watched his matches in 2006, I've often thought that the guys he was playing were more inspired than usual (smiles).
TM: You've played him twice. The 1st time was in Rotterdam, in 2004.....
SW: At that time, I didn't know him so well and he hadn't won all those titles he has now. But that was impressive. The stands were full. That was something.
TM: And when did you meet him for the very 1st time?
SW: I was 16 and it was in Bienne, at the Swiss training center. He needed a sparring partner before RG. We had trained for 1h30. He was number 12 at that time, I think. But I was already stressed (smiles). The 1st points had been exhausting. Not because of the effort but because my heart was running 300 (laughs).
TM: It's like, with the years passing by and with glory, he didn't really change.
SW: No. With me, he never was haughty. He never did anything different to have me feel he was above me. He stayed simple. That's even extraordinary to see that.
TM: How's your relation with him today?
SW: It's not easy to describe. Without being pretentious, I think we can say we're buddies (smiles). We call each other often, we also text each other even if most of the time, it's total crap (smiles). It must not be the best way to say it but he's a bit my older brother on the tour. He's always told me his cellphone was on if I needed advice or had questions on some ooponents. What's great is that he only gives me advice if I ask for some. He will never interfere intentionally. He lets me come and make the 1st step (smiles).
TM: And do you often call him?
SW: Often, no. But it happened several times last year. I've also asked him for advice on how to handle a career because what's also noticeable with him, it's that he's found a balance on every level. It's like everything's in order, professionally and privately. He's an example also for that.
TM: Were you disappointed that, one more time, he decides not to play the DC 1st round against Spain?
SW: He's got aschedule and I respect that. He's got his priorities and one of them is to remain n°1. At the time, I've been disappointed, but I totally understand his decision. It's not so much that with him, it would be easier, but he would make DC weeks even nicer because we get on very well.
TM: But he wants to win DC. Maybe he's waiting for his n°2 to assert himself which means you, so that he finally considers about aiming this high goal.
SW: Maybe, maybe. Up to 2003 and this semifinal lost against Australia, he was still playing, but maybe he's seen he was too isolated. Yes, he's waiting for a tougher team and also undoubtedly for a calendar which is easier or more adapted to him.
TM: We underlined it, you won RG Junior in 2003.
SW: Yes, and that was the only junior event that I played that year. The junior events, they really didn't have much importance for me. Actually, they had none (smiles). I've played it because it was RG and it was on clay, my fave surface. As a kid, that's the event I was watching the most. I could spend hours in front of my tv. So, I wanted to win at least a title there (smiles).
TM: What are your memories from RG, as a viewer?
SW: I really liked a lot Alex Corretja and so, I remember well, his 2 finals against Moya and Kuerten.
TM: To finish, it seems you've become a character more "people" in Switzerland lately...
SW: (smiles). Yes, because I live with someone who works for Swiss tv. So she's a bit famous in French speaking Switzerland, and she was also a model. She's older than me. When I started to date her, people started to talk a bit (smiles). It's 1 year and a half now that we're together and she brought me a lot of stability. I've found a balance between work and my private life. When I come back home, she's there, and that's good. At the moment, we live in Geneva. But we're trying to come back to Lausanne which is more relax. In Switzerland, you have a very peacefull and quiet life. Like me (smiles). I don't see myself live somewhere else
Stanislas Wawrinka interview part 1 - Talks about Federer Hingis
For many people, I'm the Swiss guy who loses
Interview by Guy Barbier.
TM: You've been victim of a serious accident on the court, on Feb 8th, before the DC 1st round between Switzerland and Spain, in Geneva. How are you?
SW: During a training session, after the draw, I indeed injured my right knee pretty seriously, on some wrong foot. I've felt the knee slip and I heard some cracking noise. The pain's been really violent, to the point it was almost a shock. I've had some medical test that said that my inside ligament was torn at 2 points. So, I've had to have surgery, on the following morning, at 11am. The surgery lasted for 2 hours. I could have avoided the surgery but it was too risky for a sportsman. It was better on the long term.
TM: How long will you be away from the court?
SW: From 10 to 12 weeks. That's of course a big disappointment. Pretty soon, I'll be able to begin my re-education in swimmingpool. That's really frustrating because I was playing well, I was climbing the rankings. That's my 1st big injury. Physically, the pain's been horrible for the first 2 days. Mentally, that's also some hardship that I'm discovering. At best, I'll be back on the tour for Rome.
TM: Did your compatriot Roger Federer send his sympathy to you?
SW: He calls me every day, even several times (smiles). That's nice.
TM: You're the Swiss n°2 and then, n°2 to the world n°1 Roger Federer. Mustn't be easy to catch some light in such circumstances....
SW: No, that's not really easy. But, as in everything, there's a positive side as well as some negative one. Thanks to him, there's some huge interest in tennis in Switzerland. And me, I have that luck to know him very well now. We're buddies, we can say so. If I need advice, he's always there for me. I know his phone is always turned on and that's precious. Consulting the World n°1, not everybody can do that!! So, imagine being able to do it regularly.......(smiles)
TM: But in the Swiss press, it's bound to be less space for you, all the more now that Martina Hingis also makes the headlines. How do you live this situation?
SW: It's true he gives the impression to take all the place and that's of course the case. As he wins almost all the time, for many people, I'm a bit the Swiss guy who loses (smiles). But when it comes to the media, I'm also the Swiss who stays accessible as, unlike Roger, I don't have many international journalists interested in me (smiles).
TM: His presence isn't too heavy then?
SW: No. The aura of a champion like Federer is even protective for me. I grow up, quietly in his shadow, without big pressure on my shoulders. If you have a look at my ranking evolution, you'll see that I've always had a very regular progression, even a quiet one.
TM: But you're ambitious, despite Federer....
SW: Yes I am ambitious. I've always had my line. I know what I want and I know where I'm going. But he protects me, it's true. I move forward, step by step, without making too much noise.
TM: When we interview Swiss journalists about you, it's always the same words that come along: discreet, shy....Are they right to qualify you that way?
SW: Yes they are (smiles). I'm not somebody who likes to put oneself into the light. I'm pretty reserved, a bit in my corner, in my small stuff. When I was younger, I was very shy, it's true. But I have the feeling I have improved myself on that regard, I have more self confidence.
TM: This exercise of the interview, for instance, is it demanding? During the AO, before your match against Rafael Nadal, we could feel you were extremely defensive while facing the Swiss media.....
SW: The 1st times have been very tough. But it remains sort of excercise and I think it's gonna be this way because of my very reserved personality. It's never easy for me to express myself in front of a lot of people, even if, I repeat it, I think I've improved a lot on that regard (smiles).
TM: Is there a big difference between the guy in its life and the guy on the court?
SW: No, there's some similarity. On the court, I don't play a game. I try to be as natural as possible. Like in my life, I try to be quiet and not show my emotions to the one facing me. Quiet, discreet, peacefull, shy, those are really words that suit me (smiles). And also will, yes, the will.....
TM: We feel a lot of demand...
SW: Yes, I ask a lot from myself. Sometimes too much (smiles). I'm very perfectionist, it's true. On the court, I can hurt myself "inside" because I can't hit properly, and this, in a match as well as during trainings.
TM: But, as we say, you never go crazy?
SW: No, I hurt myself inside and I take everything on me. I must have broken 3 rackets last year, 1 a bit silly when training (smiles). When I have a problem, I try to solve it by myself. I keep all in me and it's true it's not necessarily the solution. I should talk more about how I feel. I try to work on that too.
TM: Without mental coach?
SW: Without mental coach. At the moment, my progress's been stopped. And I don't see any reason to add one more person to the team.
TM: You've said it yourself, your career's known a rising pattern and your ranking today allows you to live some great moments. You've already played on the Center Courts of Wimbledon, in Melbourne, on the Suzanne Lenglen in Roland Garros. How do you feel that powerfull rising?
SW: That's something I've always dreamed of. I love it when there's crowd. That's to live such moments that I train hard. I'm calm. As I've said, I didn't have an up & down career. All's been very regular so far. And the only time I've had doubts concerning tennis was when I was 12, 4 years after I started to play.
TM: What happened when you were 12?
SW: I had a friend who wanted to play basketball. So I had the idea to imitate him (smiles). But my parents, who wished a certain balance through sport practise, have told me to keep on what I had started.
TM: And you made the choice to quit school very young, at 15, so that you could devote yourself to your sport....
SW: As my school refused to allow me particular times to train more, I've been bound to make this decision. But I didn't quit totally from school as I've kept on my studies thanks to the CNED, which is a French organization. It hasn't been very easy to work alone at home, but I've resisted for several years. With always the same rhythm: 8am-10am: studies. 10am-noon: tennis. 14pm-16pm: tennis. 16pm-18pm: studies.
TM: Who was keeping an eye on you?
SW: My parents, though they didn't need to look much after me, as I was very strict in what I was doing. Otherwise, there was my coach who's still with me today, Dimitri Zavialoff.
TM: At no time you were part of the Swiss training system?
SW: Never. When they offered it, I had already accomplished some good work with my private coach. It was a bit late. I've decided I had more chances to progress thanks to him than to them. It wasn't worth it.
TM: Dimitri Zavialoff is French, from Colmar. How did he enter your personal life?
SW: Our families knew each other for long. His parents and mine were close since they were very young. In fact, they had been seeing each other since they were kids. He had a try in tennis, but he stopped very quickly. When he was coming home for a holiday, he then often took care of me. Then, he went to an Academy that Bob Brett had created, near Lugano. Once this experience stopped after 2 or 4 years, I can't remember, he totally dedicated himself to me. Also a bit with my elder brother who wanted to have a try with me. He's now a tennis teacher for kids, between Lausanne and Geneva.
TM: Dimitri's brother's also part of your team?
SW: Yes, he takes care of my contracts, he negociates them. Actually, everything got a bit fast for me in Switzerland, since I won RG Junior in 2003. The media got more interested in me and I needed some help to cope well with that other side of my professional life.
TM: That victory at RG has been very important. The sollicitations must have become more numerous, all of a sudden.....
SW: Firms like IMG or Octagon have had propositions for me. But I didn't see the point to accept them, as I have the feeling that they don't do much effort for you; if you're not n°1 or n°2, you come last. They have so many players, so many stars. As n°2 in Switzerland, behind who you know, I don't see what they could have offered me (smiles). I needed someone more specific so that I could find some sponsors in Switzerland.
TM: Like Roger Federer, you have that specific that you have very diverse origins....
SW: Actually, I have a double passport, Swiss-German, but I am Swiss, and I have always felt good in my country. My mother's Swiss and my dad's German, given his origins are Czech. It happens that Wawrinka's a Polish name because I had a great grandfather who was living on the border between Poland & Czechoslovakia.
TM: Did you already go there, searching for your origins?
SW: When I was 6 or 7, we drove there. It lasted for about 3 weeks if I remember well. I kept some images on my mind.
Wawrinka player page on Wikipedia
Interview by Guy Barbier.
TM: You've been victim of a serious accident on the court, on Feb 8th, before the DC 1st round between Switzerland and Spain, in Geneva. How are you?
SW: During a training session, after the draw, I indeed injured my right knee pretty seriously, on some wrong foot. I've felt the knee slip and I heard some cracking noise. The pain's been really violent, to the point it was almost a shock. I've had some medical test that said that my inside ligament was torn at 2 points. So, I've had to have surgery, on the following morning, at 11am. The surgery lasted for 2 hours. I could have avoided the surgery but it was too risky for a sportsman. It was better on the long term.
TM: How long will you be away from the court?
SW: From 10 to 12 weeks. That's of course a big disappointment. Pretty soon, I'll be able to begin my re-education in swimmingpool. That's really frustrating because I was playing well, I was climbing the rankings. That's my 1st big injury. Physically, the pain's been horrible for the first 2 days. Mentally, that's also some hardship that I'm discovering. At best, I'll be back on the tour for Rome.
TM: Did your compatriot Roger Federer send his sympathy to you?
SW: He calls me every day, even several times (smiles). That's nice.
TM: You're the Swiss n°2 and then, n°2 to the world n°1 Roger Federer. Mustn't be easy to catch some light in such circumstances....
SW: No, that's not really easy. But, as in everything, there's a positive side as well as some negative one. Thanks to him, there's some huge interest in tennis in Switzerland. And me, I have that luck to know him very well now. We're buddies, we can say so. If I need advice, he's always there for me. I know his phone is always turned on and that's precious. Consulting the World n°1, not everybody can do that!! So, imagine being able to do it regularly.......(smiles)
TM: But in the Swiss press, it's bound to be less space for you, all the more now that Martina Hingis also makes the headlines. How do you live this situation?
SW: It's true he gives the impression to take all the place and that's of course the case. As he wins almost all the time, for many people, I'm a bit the Swiss guy who loses (smiles). But when it comes to the media, I'm also the Swiss who stays accessible as, unlike Roger, I don't have many international journalists interested in me (smiles).
TM: His presence isn't too heavy then?
SW: No. The aura of a champion like Federer is even protective for me. I grow up, quietly in his shadow, without big pressure on my shoulders. If you have a look at my ranking evolution, you'll see that I've always had a very regular progression, even a quiet one.
TM: But you're ambitious, despite Federer....
SW: Yes I am ambitious. I've always had my line. I know what I want and I know where I'm going. But he protects me, it's true. I move forward, step by step, without making too much noise.
TM: When we interview Swiss journalists about you, it's always the same words that come along: discreet, shy....Are they right to qualify you that way?
SW: Yes they are (smiles). I'm not somebody who likes to put oneself into the light. I'm pretty reserved, a bit in my corner, in my small stuff. When I was younger, I was very shy, it's true. But I have the feeling I have improved myself on that regard, I have more self confidence.
TM: This exercise of the interview, for instance, is it demanding? During the AO, before your match against Rafael Nadal, we could feel you were extremely defensive while facing the Swiss media.....
SW: The 1st times have been very tough. But it remains sort of excercise and I think it's gonna be this way because of my very reserved personality. It's never easy for me to express myself in front of a lot of people, even if, I repeat it, I think I've improved a lot on that regard (smiles).
TM: Is there a big difference between the guy in its life and the guy on the court?
SW: No, there's some similarity. On the court, I don't play a game. I try to be as natural as possible. Like in my life, I try to be quiet and not show my emotions to the one facing me. Quiet, discreet, peacefull, shy, those are really words that suit me (smiles). And also will, yes, the will.....
TM: We feel a lot of demand...
SW: Yes, I ask a lot from myself. Sometimes too much (smiles). I'm very perfectionist, it's true. On the court, I can hurt myself "inside" because I can't hit properly, and this, in a match as well as during trainings.
TM: But, as we say, you never go crazy?
SW: No, I hurt myself inside and I take everything on me. I must have broken 3 rackets last year, 1 a bit silly when training (smiles). When I have a problem, I try to solve it by myself. I keep all in me and it's true it's not necessarily the solution. I should talk more about how I feel. I try to work on that too.
TM: Without mental coach?
SW: Without mental coach. At the moment, my progress's been stopped. And I don't see any reason to add one more person to the team.
TM: You've said it yourself, your career's known a rising pattern and your ranking today allows you to live some great moments. You've already played on the Center Courts of Wimbledon, in Melbourne, on the Suzanne Lenglen in Roland Garros. How do you feel that powerfull rising?
SW: That's something I've always dreamed of. I love it when there's crowd. That's to live such moments that I train hard. I'm calm. As I've said, I didn't have an up & down career. All's been very regular so far. And the only time I've had doubts concerning tennis was when I was 12, 4 years after I started to play.
TM: What happened when you were 12?
SW: I had a friend who wanted to play basketball. So I had the idea to imitate him (smiles). But my parents, who wished a certain balance through sport practise, have told me to keep on what I had started.
TM: And you made the choice to quit school very young, at 15, so that you could devote yourself to your sport....
SW: As my school refused to allow me particular times to train more, I've been bound to make this decision. But I didn't quit totally from school as I've kept on my studies thanks to the CNED, which is a French organization. It hasn't been very easy to work alone at home, but I've resisted for several years. With always the same rhythm: 8am-10am: studies. 10am-noon: tennis. 14pm-16pm: tennis. 16pm-18pm: studies.
TM: Who was keeping an eye on you?
SW: My parents, though they didn't need to look much after me, as I was very strict in what I was doing. Otherwise, there was my coach who's still with me today, Dimitri Zavialoff.
TM: At no time you were part of the Swiss training system?
SW: Never. When they offered it, I had already accomplished some good work with my private coach. It was a bit late. I've decided I had more chances to progress thanks to him than to them. It wasn't worth it.
TM: Dimitri Zavialoff is French, from Colmar. How did he enter your personal life?
SW: Our families knew each other for long. His parents and mine were close since they were very young. In fact, they had been seeing each other since they were kids. He had a try in tennis, but he stopped very quickly. When he was coming home for a holiday, he then often took care of me. Then, he went to an Academy that Bob Brett had created, near Lugano. Once this experience stopped after 2 or 4 years, I can't remember, he totally dedicated himself to me. Also a bit with my elder brother who wanted to have a try with me. He's now a tennis teacher for kids, between Lausanne and Geneva.
TM: Dimitri's brother's also part of your team?
SW: Yes, he takes care of my contracts, he negociates them. Actually, everything got a bit fast for me in Switzerland, since I won RG Junior in 2003. The media got more interested in me and I needed some help to cope well with that other side of my professional life.
TM: That victory at RG has been very important. The sollicitations must have become more numerous, all of a sudden.....
SW: Firms like IMG or Octagon have had propositions for me. But I didn't see the point to accept them, as I have the feeling that they don't do much effort for you; if you're not n°1 or n°2, you come last. They have so many players, so many stars. As n°2 in Switzerland, behind who you know, I don't see what they could have offered me (smiles). I needed someone more specific so that I could find some sponsors in Switzerland.
TM: Like Roger Federer, you have that specific that you have very diverse origins....
SW: Actually, I have a double passport, Swiss-German, but I am Swiss, and I have always felt good in my country. My mother's Swiss and my dad's German, given his origins are Czech. It happens that Wawrinka's a Polish name because I had a great grandfather who was living on the border between Poland & Czechoslovakia.
TM: Did you already go there, searching for your origins?
SW: When I was 6 or 7, we drove there. It lasted for about 3 weeks if I remember well. I kept some images on my mind.
Wawrinka player page on Wikipedia
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