The 2021 Australian Open has been completed and in a huge upset that Novak Djokovic won his ninth Australian Open title but this post won't be about Djokvic as there are other outlets and individuals who can cover his trial and tribulations better than myself.
As we are living through some strange times due to the pandemic this has impacted in all areas of life including professional sport. Australia has done an excellent job in damage limitation of the beer virus. This was due to the regional governments imposing tough restrictions, which were a bone of contention for many people. Successful suppression of the virus was necessary for the event to be held with spectators, where this had not been an option for previous events due to the virus being at higher levels.
Many of the players were not prepared for the strict quarantine measures that were required for the event to go ahead and more imporantly that there was not a community outbreak which is a lot more important than a tennis event. Some players made the best of the situation and others did not handle it all which impacted on their performance. Now, that they have gone through this, they should better equipped to deal with challenges.
Pablo Cuevas Quarantine
As a fan it was a very different experience attending the Covid major. The complex was divided into three zones and the organisers didn't account for tennis fans who want to see everything and bought tickets to more than one zone, as there was no freedom of movement between the zones. People had to scan tickets out of one zone and then travel to another zone to scan in. It wasn't all shit as the numbers were less due to the event being held not in school holidays and limiting numbers made watching tennis a much more confortable experience. In the last few years the Australian Open has become almost unbearable to watch to excess crowds which tend to consist of gronks who go there to be seen and not give a shit about the tennis ruining the experience. Sure, most of the players I like tend not to do as well and that the ruins the experience in other ways.
Tennis
Now the on court stuff, there was some good stuff. The progress of the Prince Jannik Sinner, sure he lost in 5 sets to Shapovalov but his body gave out on him and some questionable tactics on the second serve in the 5th set. He's a kid with a big game and a great attitude, which will stand him in good stead.
Jannik Sinner
The challenge of playing in a home Slam can either lift players to above their regular levels or they can be burdened to the point where they can't play their best tennis. John Millman he wants so badly to do well in Melbourne, but his loss to Moutet was disappointed. Normally the Mailman gets pumped up by the crowd, but there was a lack of energy at his match and also the way he played was more not to lose, than to win. Tennis is not like football where you can play to protect a lead.
Pablo Cuevas and the Seppi match was very difficult to watch. Cuevas with the right draw can do well in the South American clay season, definitely showed some good signs. On the hardcourts, he just doesn't have the firepower to win consistently on the surface. Seppi did not play well, but managed to get some wins this week in Biella. There maybe some hope for another top 100 finish at the end of the year, but he's getting ready for the next phase and time does not wait.
The Gael Monfils breakdown after the loss to young Finn Ruusovori was tough to watch. Before the beer virus he was in good form, then after the return to the tour. He has been unable to win a match and the more he tries, the worse it gets. At his best Monfils is an entertainer and tennis needs characters in the sea of robots. As for how Monfils gets out of the funk. He has to remember why he started playing the game initially. I don't expect him to break Vincent Spadea's record of first round losses.
Aslan Karatsev the man from Ossetia who had been on a tear from last year dominating the Challenger tour. He qualified and ended up winning 5 matches in the main draw to join 4 other players to make the semi finals as a qualifier in a major. The Challenger tour is definitely worth following if you are a fan of the sport, it has a great mix of players. The young ones starting their career, guys who were highly ranked but have dropped down due to injury, loss of confidence and the seasoned battlers. Karatsev has had some issues in the past, but finally having his breakthrough at 27. Now the challenge for him will be to establish himself on the main tour.
Danil Medvedev made another major final but was unable to get the job done. The first set was tight and he really needed to win it, but the bulshit Russian got an early break in the 2nd, which was not confirmed. Djokovic decided to set up and Medvedev capitulated mentally. It's an experience he needs to learn from. The Big 3 have been dominating so long, there are flashes but the more things change, the more they stay the same.
Red card to the absolute shitheads booing the Vic government and the other gronks. Melbourne was lucky to have the event. Those in the crowd wouldn't be there if it wasn't for getting the beer virus under control. Let's be honest the government aren't even close to perfect, but got to pick your moments. Yes, lockdowns are shit but yes as anyone with functioning eyesight knows the alternative is worse
This version of the Australian Open will be memorable for many reasons. There were fans, no fans, fans again, some good tennis and some rubbish. I don't think 2022 will be like this. On that note I'd like to give a shout out to Lance and Owen, you two cats love the sport, do it with humour and cynicism which always makes it a pleasure to see you at the event. Hope next year we are doing qualies in Melbourne. Andres it was great meeting you. The great men Seppi and Cuevas no matter the result and also super coach Stephane Robert who wins at life.
Today was very hot and tomorrow will be worse. As for the tennis, some of it was hot and then there was the Kyrgios show which many people can not look away from whether they like or loathe him .
Martinez vs. Ruusovori
Interesting fact about this match Martinez is coached by 2 guys, one of them the great man known as Daniel Gimeno Traver with the massive forehand. Gimeno Traver had defeated Ruusovori in 2019 at the Scheveningen Challenger.
Martinez started slowly and was unable to get into the match at all. Ruusovori was solid, but not really having to do much at all as Martinez was making errors and hitting a lot of short balls. The young Finn takes the set 6-1 .
In the 2nd set Martinez is holding serve but not without difficulty, At 3-3 *0-40 on Martinez's service game was the turning point of the match. After a huge hold like this, it is very common for the player who came through the tough situation is able to break serve in the next game. Martinez is freed up from some nerves and is able to break serve and serves out the set to take it 6-3.
There was a bizarre incident which is something I have not seen before. Rafael Nadal was training on the next court and there is someone from the tournament setting up in a spot next to us to film a video camera and microphones. My friends and I are looking at each other and thinking what is this nonsense, there's a match going on. Martinez hears them talking loudly and glares, then has enough and told them to be quiet. Finally they get the message and move.
After taking the 2nd set Martinez is now hitting the bal with much greater depth, defending when he needs to and taking advantage of the short balls. Ruusovori is unable to make much of an impression and is feeling the heat. Martinez strolls to a 2 sets to 1 lead .
Martinez starts the 4th set in the same manner and runs out to a 4-1 lead with a double break and this is where the next twists begin. Martinez got a bit passive forgetting what got him to the lead and manages to lose the double break. Ruusovori is making less errors but not really going for it, whereas Martinez was playing the situation and not the score.
Ruusovori at 5-5 plays a game of errors which gave Martinez a chance to serve for the match which he fails to achieve. The 4th set tiebreaker was more a question of who is able to manage a combination of fatigure and pressure. Martinez took the long way home but got it done in 4.
Lajovic vs. Bublik
Bublik is always entertaining, you will get a running commentary in Russian and English whereas Lajovic is all business and do everything not to hit a backhand.
It's an interesting clash of styles Bublik is all power and drop shots and Lajovic is working the angles with his forehand waiting for the short balls. One of Bublik's comments was why won't Lajovic serve a double fault on Bublik's break chances.
Bublik had his chances in the 2nd set but Lajovic saves them and Bublik plays his one dumb service game a set, which Lajovic took and leads 2 sets to 0.
Bublik is still continuing with the monoloigue and I believed that he was going to tank the set. Thankfully Bublik hung around and with a mix of big groundies and deft volleys while taking the 3rd set. The Russian's attitude has not changed and played a dumb game with errors and Lajovic broke taking the match. Bublik's response well I am leaving with 150K.
Mannarino vs. Kecmanovic
This match intrigued me and was wondering why Kecmanovic was the favourite. First thing I noticed about the strong Serbian player is that he is not a great mover this was from last year against Seppi. It didn't change my mind at all here. Kecmanovic is excellent when he is set, but not good on the move.
Mannarino he looks so sleepy and you think what does this guy have to keep winning matches. He's one of those players who is more interesting to watch in person. The crafty French left hander was moving the ball around getting Kecmanovic on the stretch to expose the average movement. Mannarino took the first set easily.
The match continues on the same path. Mannarino using angles and then going down the line to wrong foot Kecmanovic. In reality this was a dissection of Kecmanovic, a bit like the star junior who plays the wily club veteran who knows where to put the ball in spots that the upstart can't handle and they implode. To be fair Kecmanovic wasn't screaming but he got his pants pulled down..
Yes, it's the Australian Open the corona virus edition. There have been quite a few strange happenings, but it fits the times we are living in.
No qualies in Melbourne which is my favourite part of the event. There are 3 zones and it's very inconvenient if you want to go from one zone to the other. Security has been very strict when it comes to standing up at matches on the outside courts. The one positive is that there are less people around which is a good thing.
Here are the Day 1 reports, as it was an awful day for a few reasons and they were done as a microblog. Read below if interested.
Day 1 Australian Reports
Now onto business at hand, the reports from the outside courts as that's where the best action happens in the early part of the tournament.
M Ymer vs. Hurkacz
This was an interesting match for a number of reasons. For those who aren't aware there are 3 Ymer brothers. The eldest Elias who lost to Diego Schwartzman in 4 sets yesterday and the youngest Rafael.
Micke Ymer is the highest ranked Swede, yes there are black people in Sweden. He was a good junior, but has taken his time to transition to the seniors. It's a combination of a game which was great in juniors but not good enough in seniors and not rushing the development. For Ymer to get the most out of his abilities he needs to be more aggressive.
Hurk, it's hard to say what his caper was today. Maybe he doesn't like the heat, has a decent serve but was not really hitting the ball. It wasn't ballbashing, but it wasn't Gilles Simon passive. Hurk has been playing well this season and took the first set fairly comfortably.
With Elias giving support, younger brother Micke starts hitting ball with better depth making it difficult for Hurk to attack or come to the net. As Micke became more aggressive in the match, he created opportunities which he took to take the 2nd set. Micke was definitely into the match, yes he was defending well and he loves it. Hurk took the 3rd, but Ymer full of self belief hangs around and manages to change the momentum by being more aggressive than usual.
Ymer takes the 4th set and breaks in the 5th to get an excellent win over an in form player. Mikael has to be more aggressive, the passive 10m behind the baseline stuff needs to go. It's the classic trust the process and now plays boom youngster Alcaraz for a place in the 3rd round.
Cuevas vs. Seppi
This match between two of my favourite players. Who did I cheer for? You just clap for both players when they hit good shots and hope for an entertaining match.
Seppi started very slowly and was down a double break. This was due mainly to Seppi's errors on both sides. Cuevas was having some issues with the kick serve on the ad side, but was able to resolve it and Seppi was having a lot of issues handling it which lead to a lot of errors.
Cuevas gives back one of the breaks but was able to take it 6-4. The level wasn't great and continued in the 2nd set. Seppi was making less errors and serving better. Cuevas was playing at the same standard and this lead to a closeness in the scores. On cue when Cuevas served to stay in the set, he managed to be broken and Seppi gets to 1 set all.
There was still a strange mood around the match Cuevas got an early break and Seppi digs in and the first 4 games of the 3rd set are the best ones of match where both players are at a reasonable level. Seppi had some chances to get back on serve but was an unable to do so. Cuevas using his excellent kicker to open up the court and control the rallies, not making many errors takes the 3rd set 6-2.
With Cuevas up 2 sets to 1, still thought this had the potential to be a 5 setter but the theme of the 3rd set continues. Seppi was unable to put enough pressure on Cuevas services game due to the unforced errors from both sides. Cuevas wins the match in 4 and the last set was more about Seppi's level than Cuevas being brilliant.
Cuevas will play and has played better matches where he will lose and that's the joy of tennis you only need to be better on the day. As for Seppi, he is in the southern part of his career and he loves playing in Australia, but there were signs that he isn't enjoying the game at all.
Its difficult to watch, we all lose a step in speed. Seppi is one of the most professional players out there and a great competitor. Today and last week, it seemed something was off mentally, as for physically who knows. He is a new father and enjoying his life off court in Colorado and understandably the priorties have shifted. Going to be an interesting year for both players, but for different reasons.
Troicki Blows It
It's almost time to stick the fork in Viktor Troicki, though being named Serbian Davis Cup captain is an indication of his future career. In his match against Michael Mmoh was up in the 4th set serving for it. He was up 4-0 in the 5th set and manages to lose from this position.
You know it's Slam time when there is a 5 setter with Troicki on the outside courts, It's as natural as breathing but this time he couldn't get it done and Mmoh was delighted. One thing about Mmoh he is one player who never skipped chest or biceps day at the gym.
Norrie vs. Evans
This was a very enjoyable match and not just the result either. I'd only seen the 4th set and standing next to me was Jan De Witt one of the better coaches out there on the ATP. He isn't working with anyone but it was fantastic to get a bit of insight . He said "Yes, I'm watching for fun, but the inner coach never really sleeps".
Norrie and Evans know each other so well, they have trained together and played Davis Cup. Evans has a crafty game and his patterns happen to suit Norrie's game. Evans has the game but is generally not the most pleasant, whereas Norrie has a bit of a Guido Pella like backhand and a bit unorthodox, great competitor and a solid citizen.
Evans won the title last week and Norrie tactically played it very well not giving Evans rhythm. He'd hit maybe 2 to the forehand, then backhand the line to open the court up and breaking down Evans backhand in the process.
UKIP Evans served for the 4th set. Norrie was grinding and believed in the process as Evans was getting tight which can happen. Evo serves a double for Norrie to get the break back, at this time Evans is starting to get tired after the effects of last week. Norrie serves it out and deserved the victory.
On the suggestion
of my great friend Sammy he suggested to do a retro review of some of the best
matches from the outside courts.As any
sage tennis fan knows in the first four days that all the best action happens
on the outside courts.Let’s be honest
top guys on the centre court beating up their opponents is not fun.
As I have
been going to the tennis longer than Jannik “The Prince” Sinner has been alive,
so there is a lot of material.Not sure,
how this will go, but it should be fun.
Massu
vs.Simon
What a contrast
in styles,yes they both play from the
baseline but in such different ways.Massu with bristling energy,loud
grunting, intense and hitting off forehands.Simon looks asleep, moves the ball around well and counterpunches.
Massu is
the more experienced player whereas Simon in week 1 had won the Noumea
Challenger and qualified for the main draw. The Frenchman played a lot of matches.The crowd was mostly Chilean but with a few
Frenchies which gave it a fun atmosphere.
They
split the first 4 sets.In the 5th set Massu was up 3-1
with a break and I expected him to win due to his experience and multiple
opportunities to break. Simon's body was going down and Massu looked like he
could run for ages, it was Simon that was able to win this match, his
anticipation was excellent and he played a very smart match with good touch at
the net and wrongfooting shots.
Massu was just seething inside and out, he knew it was a huge match and he
managed to blow it. Simon couldn't walk after the match due to cramps and had
to be helped back to the locker room by two people and his court was one of the
furthest ones away from it.
Bogomolov Jr vs.Gonzalez
This was a highly entertaining and humorous as well for a lot of reasons. Feña was having some problems with his body
and even served underarm at one stage, he was hitting a lot of dropshots attempting
to conserve energy.
Bogomolov was fighting very hard and the Chileans made plenty of noise with
their “Viva Chile” chants.The Chilean
fans were giving Bogo a lot of stick.Many of them were unaware that Bogomolov speaks Spanish as he spent
formative years in Mexico.
They split sets and in the 5th set, Bogo after winning a huge point gave it
the big "come on" and Feña gave him a big glare. The crowd loved it
for sure and were getting into it. At the change of ends, Gonzo went over and
had words with Bogo/ Pascal Maria had to get down from the chair to separate
them.
Gonzo got tight, missed a forehand wide and Bogo won the match. A dejected
Feña walked off, waved to his fans and there was a standing ovation. After the
match Alex throws his shirt in the crowd and towels. He went to the throw one
in the Chilean direction and then he baulked and laughed.A trolling masterclass.
del Potro vs. Gonzalez
After Gonzo got past a difficult 1st rounder against Korolev, the next
match wasn't going to be easier against the talented del Potro and this was
proven to be the case.
The Chileans were on one side of the court with their red shirts and their
"Viva Chile" chants and on the other side of the court were the
Argentines. It was only Sammy, myself, an Argentine friend Rodrigo and his
feisty Bulgarian girlfriend initially, but after Nalle had finished with
Lapentti they were over in force.
It was the first time I have seen del Potro in the flesh as well, which is
always different from TV. He seems to have a good future in the game if he can
look after his body and he is still growing, so management will be the key. The
thing I like most about him is his temperament, which is something to always
look out for.
The match itself was very close. The
first set could have gone either way as there was a break between them and it
went to a TB. Gonzo wasn't as patient as he has been in the past and del Potro
was serving well and had his chances to take the first set but Gonzo is too
solid in the breaker.
Delpo then forgets about that set and focuses on the next one and is
hitting good length on his shots. He was serving well frustrating Gonzo who is
getting pissed off with the Argentine fans and Juan seems to be handling the
Chilean fans a lot better. With some steady play mixed in with attacking at the
right moments del Potro takes the 2nd set 6-4.
del Potro rides the wave and continues giving it to Gonzo, who is either hitting
winners or making errors and this pattern continues into the 3rd set and fired
up by his fans he takes the 3rd set as well.
It was a fun football atmosphere with the Chilean fans making jokes
about the Malvinas and Argentines responding with their own chants.
Even though he is leading 2 sets to 1, the feeling around is if somehow
Gonzo gets the 4th set, then he will win the 5th and this was eventuated. Gonzo
tightens up his play and the youngster is getting tired. Gonzo fights hard to
get the 4th. At the start of the 5th del Potro starts to serve slower and the
big Chilean takes advantage of this and his greater experience was the key here
in that he found a way to win, not playing well.
del Potro had cramps or a side strain, but he was brave and has something
to build on with this performance.
This is end
of retro review part 1 and there will be more to come.
Hello readers, yes, it has been a while and we are living in very strange times.
Today I completed an extensive interview with the cosmopolitan Japanese player
Taro Daniel who has an American father and Japanese mother born in New York
City, moved to Japan and then Spain. Taro was very generous with his time for
which I am thankful for as he spoke eloquently about many different subjects.
2020 was a strange year and 2021 has continued on the same path. You had to
play Australian Open qualies in Doha and now have a 14 day quarantine. How has
the experience been for you so far?
It’s been very interesting to go through a time like this. Good or bad times are
changing and we have to accept certain things and let it be unless it is under
your control.
How have you managed your time in quarantine?
My time in quarantine has been going well for now. I've been keeping busy with
training and talking to a lot of people.
How old were you when you started playing tennis?
I was 7 in Saitama Japan.
Did you play another sports? If so, when did you decide to focus on tennis?
I only played a little bit of soccer in kindergarten but nothing else really. I
wish I had played more other sports when I was younger.
Do you thinking playing different sports as a kid before focusing on tennis
would have helped your career?
Yes, for sure. Most top players played something when they were kids.
How old were you when you moved to Spain and how was the culture shock
arriving from Japan?
I was 13 and I struggled in the beginning because people in Europe were not very
friendly at first sight 15 years ago. They become great friends once you get to
know them and that was a difficult part in the beginning.
How long did it take you to learn Spanish and feel comfortable using the
language?
It took me about 4,5 months and once I was at conversational level, it went very
quick.
How beneficial was it for your tennis career and development as a person by
moving to Spain?
Even though I struggled in the beginning, it was definitely the most enriching
experience of my life. I was able to experience the Spanish culture and learn
tennis from many quality coaches. Being able to speak Spanish is a very big
bonus as well for being on the tour.
There are many Futures events in Spain how advantageouswas it for you to have
access to so many tournaments?
It was great to have so many of those quality futures driving distance from
Valencia. The quails were 128 draw always and there was a year when I passed
every single one of them. It definitely made me tougher.
When did you think you would be able to make it as a professional?
I always believed in it or knew that it was what I was going to do. Even when I
was a kid. I was not that worried about what I had to do if I didn't make it.
You won your first Challenger event in Vercelli against Pippo Volandri. What
do you remember about that match and the week?
I remember that I had a massive argument when my coach at the time before the
tournament started. I went through some tough matches and played a great final
against a great player. I do not remember too much of the details though.
Do you enjoy playing in Italy?
It’s a love and hate for me in Italy. I have great weeks there but also bad
ones. I love it because of their passion and food but also there are many times
when things are not well organized. So, it is a mix.
What have been your experiences on the Futures and Challenger tour. Do you
have any funny stories you can share?
There are many little stories that are fun. But I will share the craziest one
that I had. I was in Shenzhen China and I was on my way to Japan after I
finished. As you know, China is massive and even if you are in the same city you
need to leave 4-5 hours before your flight to get to the airport. My taxi driver
got into a car accident with a massive truck and made me miss my ferry to get to
the airport in Hong Kong. I had to negotiate with some black market taxi drivers
to get me to the Hong Kong airport as soon as possible and I barely made the
flight
In 2018 you defeated Novak Djokovic at Indian Wells. What do you remember
about the match and your feelings afterwards?
It was a great moment where I know I did something special for my career. I
remember being happy but also, I knew that he was not nearly at his best. I was
able to take advantage of that.
Also, in that year you won your first ATP 250 in Istanbul. You were down 0-4
in the 3rd set vs. Dutra Silva. What do you remember about that match and the
week?
I remember that Dutra was playing great tennis that match. I just went point by
point when I was 40 down and before I knew it, I was 64 up. That week was more
of a relief since I felt that I really felt that my level has the potential to
go higher in the rankings.
Taro Daniel wuith ATP Istanbul 250 title
How disappointing was it that you were unable to defend the title?
I did not mind it that much. It actually happens a lot with titles that I have
won. Vercelli, Furth, Yokohama, Istanbul a lot of those tournament did not get
repeated.
Futures prizemoney has hardly changed the since 1980s. Challenger prizemoney
at its worst had decreased 30$ from 1995 relatively. Before the pandemic it
has increased slightly. What can be done to readdress some of the balance?
It is very difficult to see what is necessary to have prize money increases in
Challengers and futures. I think the approach for each circuit will be different
because challengers are run by ATP and the futures by ITF. The challengers
perhaps will benefit more from better quality streaming since I know that many
people enjoy watching it. That might increase stream flow and bring in more
money. For the futures, I think take some of the money from Grand Slams and
trickle it in down there. I think that these futures players should be getting
more as well,
You said " When money or sponsors come into your life, they bring new
problems. Sometimes I feel almost guilty for having them. You'd have the
players around my ranking struggling financially sometimes I feel the pressure
to keep on improving my ranking in order to maintain status I have gained in
Japan". Can you explain the new problems that have increased and how you are
dealing with them?
I think I am passed that stage of feeling guilty right now. I am simply grateful
of the support I receive and also am aware of my value. I am working to let
things be and not desire anything too much. Keep being in the moment in order to
enjoy whatever that is in front of me.
The ATP is meant to be a joint union between players and tournament
directors, but it seems to favour the tournament directors. Are there ways to
improve the organisation to have better representation and reputation among
the players?
I think the representation of the players need to improve drastically and also;
we have to get rid of obvious conflicts of interest within our player board
reps. We deserve representatives that their sole purpose in tennis is to
represent players interest without having to work for TV channels and data
companies. We also need a better structure within the player council. Currently
it is very top heavy because of the allocation of the seats. We need more seats
outside of the top 100 and 200 so that we can have the voices of all the members
heard instead of only the top 50.
Willy Cañas said “The ATP practices discrimination from an economic
standpoint, like any multinational corporation. It’s just another of millions
that there are in the world. Point being that I accept it, but I'm not buying
into it that it is a group of players that decide (players union) because it
isn't like that”. Do you believe that Willy is correct on this particular
issue?
Players from Latin countries are very misrepresented despite being a very strong
tennis community. Grand Slams have too much power over what tennis does and I
think players need to have some of that power by having a strong representation
within the ATP and outside of the ATP.
How can the current ATP Player Representatives ensure that the players who
earn the vast majority of revenue through prizemoney and not sponsorship are
able to survive in the sport?
I think to fight for a bigger piece of the pie in the Grand Slams? But this is
difficult since money is a tough topic right now with so many people suffering
from COVID-19 and business closures.
What do you think about the Professional Tennis Players Association? Has this
been put on hold due to COVID-19?
The PTPA is being established right now I believe. In the US Open players simply
showed up and supported the creation of the organiz\sation. I believe the PTPA can
be great for the players especially if they set up the representatives
correctly.
What is the purpose of ATP University?
ATP University is to educate the players on basic things that ATP provides in
terms of medical, integrity, doping, media etc., but I think they need to focus
a lot more on player representation and how the ATP structure is set up because
I do not remember learning too much about that.
What do you think of new format of Davis Cup?
I have mixed feelings about it. There is no doubt that it is easier on the schedule and the money is better but on the other hand there were barely any crowds in the stands. Playing home and away had a special feeling but it took a very heavy toll on our body and the schedule.
One of the things the sceptics were questioning about the new event was the lack of crowds for matches not involving Spain. For the other semi final not involving Spain there were many empty seats which was unheard of during the previous format. It was not a good look and how can they resolve that going forward?
I have no idea how they can resolve it. I was very surprised myself that not many people came to watch especially in the later rounds. I know that in the round robin, the tickets were sold per tie so maybe that was the reason. Also, I think that the people were confused with the new rules and the format. This Covid timing is not positive for the flow of the new Davis cup either.
Your first Davis Cup win was a World Group promotion tie away in Colombia defeating Falla with Japan coming back from 2-1 down to win the 5th rubber. What do you remember about the match, the atmosphere and the feeling of winning an away tie in front of a tough crowd?
It is a great memory. One of the more exciting ties I played in my Davis career. The atmosphere was against us but very energetic with Colombians. I also felt for the first time that things were up to me for Japan to pass to the World Group and I played a great match dominating him. I enjoyed it a lot. Daniel winning in Colombia
The new format has killed the points of difference that Davis Cup had from regular events. Players going to places where they normally wouldn’t play. Playing in front of partisan crowds with some players rising above their normal levels and vice versa. Was the decision to change just based on financial consideration, or were there any other alternatives discussed for example moving to a Ryder Cup format playing it every 2 years in a non Olympics year?
Well, the old format was great. It is hard to beat the honorable feeling of playing at home or the energetic against crowd. The thing was that we could not fit that much Davis Cup every single year. So, I think either played it every 2 years or playing it over 2 years was a valid option. The financial compensation was very poor for being such an important event. So, for a lot of players, it felt like the negatives were too great even though they wanted to keep playing. In my opinion, the old format played over 2 years would be the best!
What do you think of the ATP Cup? Can the ATP and Davis Cup co-exist or will the ITF and ATP negotiate a compromise between the events?
Co-exist is what we want. But I think it is very complicated given the relationship that the ITF and the ATP have. I hope they come up with something because I thought the ATP Cup was great. It had the crowd and the energy that the new Davis Cup did not have.
What do you think about the length of the tennis season?
I was actually talking about this with my coach. If points lasted 2 years instead of 1 year the way it is currently, players could choose to play less tournaments. The reason is because you can be more selective with the weeks that you are more likely to earn points and not play the weeks where you did well last year. I hope this will be something that is considered in the future So instead of playing 30 weeks a year, we could play anywhere from 20-25.
What solutions would you propose besides a 2 year ranking system in relation to the schedule?
I would like more space between swings. Something like 3-4 tournament swings and 2 weeks off but this is impossible due to the high demand of tournaments.
How widespread do you believe doping is on the tour and have you ever been tested at an unreasonable or ridiculous hour?
I really doubt that doping is wide spread. In this day and age, I find it impossible for someone to successfully dope because of the amount of times we get tested. I have gotten tested in my home in very early times of the morning yes.
How widespread is match fixing on the tour. Are there any solutions to minimise the impacts of corruption?
I know that match fixing definitely exists in the futures levels. You only hear stories about it but I can image that it is very scary once you get into it. I think only way to get rid of it completely is to ban betting on tennis I believe.
With the rise of social media one of the negative aspects are the small percentage of idiotic gamblers who send abusive messages to players who have lost a match. Are the tennis authorities or social media platforms taking this problem seriously enough?
I find it impossible to completely eradicate these messages. How do you know someone will send an abusive message before he or she does it if they just created a fake account? Because most of the times they come from fake accounts that they don't mind having it banned.
What are your favourite tournaments?
I don't have favorites because it depends many times on organization and how you do in that tournament!
Where is the worst place you have ever stayed on tour?
There was a tournament in Suzhou, China. That was tough. It was very hard to reach and the courts were in the middle of a chicken farm.
Who are your best friends on tour?
I would say all the Japanese guys, some of the Spanish players, Millman, and JP Smith,
Can you name the best and worst matches you have played?
I think the best tennis I have played was against Nadal in US Open and the worst probably 2 years ago in Milan against Musetti.
You have played Djokovic and Nadal, what was it like playing them?
They have a special quality to their ball. They also have a presence that not many other players have. I really enjoyed feeling the speed and the quality of their ball. Especially Djokovic's backhand down the line really stretches like crazy.
You played your best tennis against Nadal in the US Open but you didn't win. What did you take away from that match?
I hit so many winners that night it was a strange feeling for me. I never swung so freely in a match before. I also felt that in order to beat Rafa, you have to play perfect for 3-4 hours straight.
You have never played Federer, is he the one guy you have never played but would like to before he retires?
Yes, Federer is on my bucket list haha
Are you still a fan of Movement Culture? Can you explain what it is and how you got into it?
Yes definitely am. It is a practice of endless movements deriving from countless practices. It really opens up your mind to new possibilities your body gives you. I got into it because of my father. I am certain that exercises and the discipline I gained from this practice has kept me off injuries.
How long have you been doing it and how does it benefit you?
I do not practice as much anymore but I have been involved in it for over 2 years now. There are many prehab exercises that are extremely tough and tests your joins and ligaments. You learn how to do them with calculated risk and that makes you have more bulletproof joints.
How important is nutrition and are there any foods that you can’t resist even though they are not good for you?
Nutrition is extremely important but I do not have hardcore restrictions. I am pretty healthy by nature. I try to eat as many things as possible. I do like pairing beer and wine with food so I only do that once in a while.
What are your favourite cuisines?
I like anything. It is about quality.
What is the one food you never tire of? On the flipside the worst thing you have ever eaten?
I never get tired of bone broth. Worst thing is probably some type of sweets. Not a huge fan of sweet stuff.
You went to Iceland in 2019. How did you rate your Icelandic experience and your best memories?
Iceland was amazing. There was one hike I loved which had a natural river hot spring at the top. It is called Reykjadalur. The nature is completely different over there and I also enjoyed the cold.
Taro in Iceland
Did you enjoy the anonymity in Iceland?
Definitely. The culture was very interesting as well. Very progressive in a way but also felt like I went back few hundred years in time.
How would you sum up the 2020 season?
2020 was a strange year for everyone. I think I learned a lot and made a lot of progress as a person and also as a tennis player.
How did the partnership with coach Sven Groeneveld begin? What are the areas where Sven can help you maximise your potential?
I knew him from few years ago but my dad connected me to him. My dad was living in Amsterdam and that is why they were able to connect easier. Sven is helping me maximize on every area of the game. I do not want to get too specific on that.
What are your goals for 2021?
To keep raising self awareness and live in the now. There are obvious goals like going back in top 100 and making Olympics but that is out of my control.
It’s time for word association
Paella-Valencia
Millman-Respect
Melbourne-Australian Open
Sushi-Best in Japan
Dani Gimeno-Great Guy
Anime-Demon Slayer
Airport-Singapore
Hakarl-Odour
Led Zeppelin-Best band ever
Once again I must thank Taro Daniel for his time in giving such an extensive and enjoyable video.
