| Tommy Robredo | |||||
|
Birthdate: May 1, 1982 Birthplace: Hostalric, Spain Residence: Barcelona, Spain |
Height: 5' 11" Weight: 154 Plays: Right-handed |
|
|||
|
Pro Highlights: 2001 - Won his first ATP title in Sopot - Reached the quarterfinals in Bastad - Semifinalist at the Heineken Trohy, his first ATP-level event on grass - Reached the Round of 16 at Roland Garros - Upset Sebastien Grosjean 6-2, 6-2 at the Open Seat Godo in Barcelona - Reached his first ATP final in Casablanca, Morocco - Competed in his first Grand Slam, the Australian Open, losing to eventual finalist Arnaud Clement - Semifinalist at the Gold Flake Open in Chennai, India 2000 - Champion - Espinho, Portugal Challenger - Champion - Seville, Spain Challenger - Champion (doubles w/Mike Russell) - Edinburgh, U.K. Challenger - Finalist - Barletta, Italy Challenger - Finalist (doubles w/Salvador Navarro) - Lisbon,Portugal Challenger - Semifinalist - Cagliari, Italy Challenger 1999 - Defeated Marat Safin in his first ATP tournament, the Open Seat Godo in Barcelona Junior Highlights - Champion - 2000 Australian Hardcourt Championships - Finalist - 2000 French Open - Semifinalist - 2000 Australian Open - Semifinalist - 1999 French Open |
|||||
|
SportsLine.com recently spoke with Tommy. Here is what he had to say:
SportsLine: When did you first begin to feel like you had a shot at a pro career? Tommy Robredo: When I won my first point in Madrid (his first satellite tournament). That's the first moment you always remember.
SportsLine: How do you think your game measures up against your peers'? Tommy Robredo: There are a lot of great players my age. It's only important to play my best tennis.
SportsLine: What are your goals for 2001? Tommy Robredo: When I started the year I said if I finish in the top 70 in the ATP (rankings) it would be great.
SportsLine: What has been your high point so far? Tommy Robredo: Two years ago, when I beat Safin and (Davide) Sanguinetti in Barcelona, was great. And this year, making the semifinals in Chennai.
SportsLine: What types of adjustments have you needed to make now that your competition has gotten tougher? Tommy Robredo: You must have continuity to your game.
SportsLine: What is the strongest part of your game? Tommy Robredo: Everybody says my forehand. Also, I fight a lot for points.
SportsLine: What is the best thing about being a tennis player? Tommy Robredo: Our life is a good life. We know a lot of people, we travel a lot to nice countries ... that's good for us.
SportsLine: Who was your idol growing up? Tommy Robredo: I like different parts of different players. I like to watch (Pete) Sampras' serve and (Andre) Agassi's return.
SportsLine: Is there someone you most look forward to playing? Tommy Robredo: No, I just want to play against good players. It would be nice to say I lost to Sampras on grass. If I won it would be great!
SportsLine: What are your career goals? Tommy Robredo: I want to be the best that I can. If that's No. 5, No. 5; No. 1, No. 1. But, I would really like to win Roland Garros.
SportsLine: Does the prospect of facing any particular players intimidate you at this point? Tommy Robredo: Normally I never have problems with my nerves.
SportsLine: What are some of the sacrifices you have had to make because of the demands of your schedule? Tommy Robredo: It's diificult to stay away from your home, but if you play good it's worth it. That's what you need to do to be a great player. When you win a lot, you stay away from home.
SportsLine: What would you like to pursue after you retire? Tommy Robredo: I would like to make a good life, to be happy and stay with my family ... enjoy life. |
