Tennis Elbow 2013 Media

Exclusive Interview with World no.5 Masters 1000 winner and 2-time slam semi- finalist, Kingofcans

14.07.2021


Reporter: So the season is in the second half, we already witnessed 3 Grand Slams, you made semifinals in 2 of them, what was the biggest achievement of this season for you?

King of cans: Despite the fact that I had two semi-finals on the Grand Slam, I do not consider them to be the biggest achievements. I was most happy to win in Rome. I was very motivated and was able to be mentally strong in all difficult situations. And so I haven’t lost a single set.

Reporter: What are your goals for the second half of the season? We have Olympics ahead and US swing, then we roll on to Asia and then finally Europe Indoor season.

King of cans: Unfortunately the clay part of the season will end soon. I already forgot how to play hard courts. I need a few weeks to adapt after Hamburg. But my mood is optimistic, because I was in the same situation before the clay season. I hated this surface, but then I got used to it and now it’s my favourite. If I’m doing well, then I’ll be happy if I qualify for two finals in any of these Cincinnati, Rogers Cup or USO tournaments. But I really wanted to win USO. In Ranking, my goal is to be in the top 3 at the end of the year. Also my dream is to play at the ATP Finals.

Reporter: Who is your biggest threat on tour? Player that you hate playing against?

King of cans: There are a few players I really hate playing against, but only because of the delay (for example: Kerber, Jabeur, Barboza). But my main threat is Alex. I have a good connection with him, but I always lose to him. He very much motivates me to develop. I want to get revenge on him for losing at Wimbledon. I understand that we can meet this week, but I perceive our possible match as a practice. All the decisive matches of our head-to-head are yet to come.

Reporter: We know your game has improved over all these months, but what is the part of your game you still want to improve?

King of cans: I am currently working very hard on my attack and forward movement. Also I would like to improve net presence.

Reporter: Do you consider Wimbledon as great experience? Have you learned something new at this tournament?

King of cans: I probably learned two main things. First, my attack is too weak to defeat strong players on fast surfaces. Second, I can defend perfectly even with Jerzy on the grass. But I was psychologically very unstable, I was scared to play official matches. I was able to calm down only in the quarter-finals.

Reporter: Thank you for your time King and good luck in next matches.

King of cans: Thank you.