Tennis Elbow 2013 Media
Exclusive ESPN interview with world number one, Sebko
18.08.2021Reporter: So Sebko, we are now approaching the final slam of the season, the US Open at Flushing Meadows. How would you assess your 2021 season?
Sebko: So far pretty good, I had great moments but also tougher ones, I’m happy that I had both because it is important for player to survive both tough moments but also happy ones. At the start of the season I won Australian Open. That’s my biggest achievement so far, but as the time is going by it is tougher and tougher, great players keep joining and it is even more competitive. The clay season wasn’t easy for me. That’s where my form started to drop a bit, but I’m happy about Roland Garros anyway, with the amount of practice I got, I made great result. Obviously winning is always the goal but that can’t happen every day. Then on grass, I felt really good I adjusted my playing style to the surface and I was able to beat great players. Even though I lost in the final of Wimbledon, I’m happy with my effort. Then back on hard, my favourite surface, I played great whole week at Olympics, even the final. I’m happy to be able to give the viewers that are watching the streams a good battle. Doesn’t matter if I lose or win, I think our matches with Alexko are always full of ups and downs and generally exciting. In Toronto I didn’t expect anything. I came to play without preparation basically but I still did great. My opponent was playing one of the most aggressive tennis I ever saw. I have some problems to solve and I hope I will solve them before next tournament. The goal is always to win doesn’t matter who I play.
Reporter: Yes it has been a very exciting season, you’ve managed to stay number one all season and have captured eight titles. Which title would you say is your favourite?Sebko: The most special one will be always Australian Open because it is a Grand Slam and I know the matches will go down in history. But I also have to mention Miami and Queens. In Miami, I was losing in the third set of the final my opponent had a break and it wasn’t looking good for me, but I managed to come back and win my first Masters 1000 event. Queens was basically preparation for Wimbledon, but I’m still happy to get the win. The final match was also not easy, my opponent had championship point at 4:5 and we had to go to the distance in the third set tiebreak. Similar thing also at the Brazil Open in São Paolo, where I was losing in the third set with Hakisko. But I would still say Australian Open is the most special one.
Reporter: Yes, if I was to pick one I would also say the Australian Open, that was a very memorable tournament with a lot of dramatic matches. I would say you were at the height of your powers then. The summer has been a challenging one for you, with the rise of Alexko, who is now a threat to your number one ranking. What can you say about him? It’s pretty obvious, but do you consider him your biggest rival?Sebko: Alexko will always be my biggest rival, he broke my winning streak in Monte Carlo and he demolished me in straight sets. Then we had amazing battles but unfortunately I lost all of them. But also, I was the only one who took a set of him at Grand Slams. The match in Paris was memorable, we played intense clay court tennis and he made me raise my level and I think I made him too. I feel like we always play our best and it is a battle. At Wimbledon it was my first final loss, so we can kinda say he broke some of my records. The matches were different. At Wimbledon I won the first set, but then I just ran out of ideas. It rarely ever happens, but when it does, it does verses him. I tried everything but he was amazing. I think he is the best player by far I played against in his prime. In Paris he was dominating most of the rallies but in the third set I caught another breath and the match had different tempo. Even though I lost, I’m pretty happy with my effort especially how I played in last two sets. In Tokyo I had more confidence because we were playing on hard court and I know I can play very well here. Again it was full of ups and downs but it landed on his side again. The tiebreak could have ended either way but he definitely deserved the win. Again, I had to play my best but it wasn’t enough. I think we will meet a few more times for sure, my goal is always the same.
Reporter: Yes, Alexko has proven to be the biggest threat to your dominance and in fact, it’s safe to say that for the second third of the season he’s been dominating. He’s currently on a long win streak which started at Wimbledon, and you’re yet to record a win over him even though your matches have been close – particularly the match at Rolland Garros where you were close to forcing a fifth set and the match in Tokyo where you looked like the better player for the majority of the match but couldn’t force a third set. What do you think needs to change to alter the dynamic of your rivalry? Also at the beginning of your rivalry you seemed to have a very cordial and friendly relationship, would you say that is still the case?Sebko: The problem was that I felt clueless in the matches, even though I was quite close on the other hand it felt so distant. I played pretty much my best I think he did too. He can lose sets to many players but in the end hell always win. I need to take my chances more too. I felt like in Tokyo I had the chance to force the third set and we never know what could have happened here. But it’s more about him than me. He was solid in all moments and there wasn’t much I could do. But I also think it’s tactical. We are on the same level, but every match is different. I need to analyse it a bit more and I’ll try to figure it out. I think I know where the problem is. But that's one thing and the match itself is other. I have great relationship with him but sometimes I don’t like how he acts, I guess nobody is perfect, right?
Reporter: Yes, many players have remarked that they find you more difficult to play than Alexko, but in your match ups with him he always has an answer for you, whereas you are less certain of how to play against him. And it’s good to see that you can have a respectful and even friendly relationship with your biggest rival. That is not very often the case. Who else would you consider as a rival or contender for silverware on tour?Sebko: If you take a look at my matches and if you pay attention just to them, I would say it is Hakisko. I had three very close battles with him on clay and he is my good friend too. If he finds a way to be more consistent he can be in the real top again. He is someone you should never underestimate. Going by ranking, a lot of people would say King of Cans or Vtrix. King of Cans is a very dedicated player, he knows what he is doing and he knows what he wants to achieve. I appreciate his work ethic. He improves every week that's why he is the one to look for, for the future too. He is the most professional player on tour. Vtrix is really great player, but I can’t compare my rivalry with him with Alexko. It’s a rivalry, but with Alexko it is different breed so far. But, yeah, for now. At the start of the season it was Bash. We met in three finals in a row and had great battles. But as he decided to play different tournaments than me, we never met after. And also as the tour got stronger he suffered a bit. We will see what the future brings
Reporter: Yeah, your matches with Hakisko were some of the most entertaining matches this year, we can’t forget the five set epic which you won 9-7 in the fifth at Rolland Garros, nearly squandering a two set lead. You’ve faced him many times and he’s yet to record a win over you. Some people say he’s one of the most exciting players to watch. Who are your favourite players to watch? And yes, King of Cans really seems to be improving leaps and bounds and is a model for professionalism, and he’s also yet to record a win over you. It looks like he has big ambitions though, and he believes he can break the dominance of you and Alexko. Do you see that happening?Sebko: My favourite player to watch has to be my friend. Definitely Hakisko and Squeaky. Not only the way they play but also their personality and how they react when they are on court. I also have a thing for Manju’s game. I think he will crack the top 10 soon, he has amazing baseline game and hits very smooth. Also Randy and Ondracool, when they are on it, it is really great to watch. Andre Kerber too. Anything can happen but I don’t like talking too much about what could be or what is gonna happen. But I think to do that he needs to push the limits even more. I don’t like when someone talks too much. I prefer to let my game speak for me.
Reporter: Yes, we can see your game has done a lot of talking for you this season. You’ve earned a lot of fans over the course of the season but also haters and critics. People saying you’re a pusher, that you haven’t beaten strong players, etc. What do you say to them? Do you still feel like you have things to prove? And would you say you enjoy the spotlight and the perks of fame?Sebko: Even if I retired now I would have nothing to prove. But, obviously, I still want to achieve more and I have specific goals. The only great player I wasn't able to beat so far was Alexko. But let’s be honest, almost nobody did. Also beating him at Grand Slam and at ATP 500 event is something different. So far, he was able to raise his form to his best level like never and I was the only one who took a set of him. I’m not ending there. If I haven't beaten strong players, probably nobody did. I definitely want to win, but if I won’t, I’m not making so much out of it. I enjoy being at the number one spot and I like everything around it. That's my motivation and playing for my name and for the tour too.
Reporter: Well, some of the perks of fame include your lavish trips on your private jet from tournament to tournament. You’ve also bagged a lot of endorsements off the court. You seem to have a lot of interests off the court and have even started an academy. As far as your legacy is concerned, how do you want to be remembered? Do you care about legacy? Also, you mentioned Hakisko and Squeaky as your favourite players to watch and your friends. Who would you consider your best friends on the tour? And who would you consider as favourites for some of the end of year awards such as Fans Favourite award?Sebko: I do care about legacy. I want to be remembered especially as great person and sportsman who brought something to the tour. Not only on court but also off court. I have a few friends on tour. As you mentioned Squeaky and Hakisko are one of them then Alexko, Nogian, Hoffi. I don’t have problems with many players so I would say I have great relationship with most of them. But as I mentioned, these are the ones I talk the most with. One of my friends is also GVD but he isn't active nowadays. I’m not sure who can be contender for fans favourite award as that depends on other players and I’m not sure what they think, but with the others, like sportsmanship award, I have some favourites. Joanj for example too, nice guy that would deserve it, for sure. Stkst, Squeaky of course, Lolo2b, Lampjavel, Gheith. Also guys that keep fighting and playing, even though sometimes they are losing close battles. I really respect these players and I want to help them that's why I started my academy.
Reporter: Yes, it’s important to have some friends on the tour because the tour can be a lonely place, however some players think it’s impossible to be close with those who are you fighting against for the biggest prizes. And the work you are doing off the court is very commendable and will go along way to establishing your legacy. We will see who wins these awards, but these seem like good candidates for the ones you mentioned. However, yes, the media and the fans are the ones who decide, so it is likely that the more well known names will have higher chances of winning these awards. On the topic of friendships, it’s no secret that there’s no love lost between you and Ls21. You had previously beaten him on at least four occasions this season and seemed especially motivated against him, but he finally got one over you in Toronto. How do you assess that match, and what can you say about him and his game?Sebko: He played great, everything he did turned into gold. Not many mistakes but solid very aggressive play, he deserved the win like nobody. I’m nice to everyone who is nice to me. I think at some point it was worse between us, but now it it’s kind of okay. We talked after the match and everything was good. Having great relationships with players is important for me. I never try to run into some drama just for attention or something like that. I prefer to have good relationships. But not always it depends on me. His game is very aggressive and risky, he is one of the players that are dangerous to play against because when his shots are going in it is hard to stop. Fast surfaces suit him.
Reporter: Yes, it was probably one of the most shocking results of the season, because you’ve been incredibly consistent and only lost to two players, discounting your three walkovers, but he seems to be having a great summer. Would you go so far as saying that he’s a contender at the US Open?Sebko: Difference between regular tournaments, even masters and Grand Slams is different. The main difference is the amount of sets we have to play. I’m not sure he could keep the level of play for five sets. Also there are many other great players and every catchup is different.
Reporter: Okay, that’s an interesting perspective. Well as you say, he’ll have to answer this question on the court. So, if you had to pick favourites for the US Open, who would they be?Sebko: It’s hard to say, but I’ll let the players decide on that. But I would definitely go up there with Alexko and well, I hope I can fix my problems and get ready for the Open.
Reporter: You’ve been incredibly successful all year, with the most wins on tour, and most titles so far. You’ve had a lot of highs; however, you’d have some low points and tough losses. Where would your loss to Ls21 rank in the context of your season?Sebko: It was one of the worst, but also to me it wasn't unexpected. But now I’ll rather focus on what is ahead of me. The focus is now on USO mainly. I play Cincinnati and Toronto as preparation, obviously it is a big event but unless its a loss on Grand Slam it doesn’t bother me that much.
Reporter: Well, it’s good that you keep a positive mindset. It was reported that during the clay season you were having some serious emotional problems, we hope that you’ve been able to overcome them. We know that it can be tough handling expectations and pressure of being number one, in addition to what’s going on in your personal life. So when you’re not playing tennis, what are some of your hobbies?Sebko: Everything in my life revolves around tennis, playing tennis, playing Tennis Elbow, watching tennis, studying tennis mechanics, tennis preparation, physical or mental. I like to read books and watch movies. I have a few favourite ones. Besides that, I enjoy manual work around my house like chopping wood, mowing, or removing bushes. I love other sports too such as football and basketball. My favourite teams are Bayern Munich and Boston Celtics. Players Robert Lewandowski and all time Kevin Garnett. I love to play these sports, but also I love to read about them and I try to stay updated. I would say one of my biggest hobbies, even though I find it more as lifestyle, is being an iceman. I follow the Wim Hof Method that helped many athletes and I try to live like that. It is about happy and healthy life style. This also helped me when I had my problems back in clay season, but not only. I recommend it to everyone, doesn’t matter if you have emotional problems or not, it’s good for anyone, active people or inactive. One part of me hates flying and one loves it. The truth is, I’m kinda scared of flying so I have no choice and I just have to face it somehow. When I’m at home, I play Microsoft Flight Simulator which is pretty much the only game I play besides Tennis Elbow, but also not actively. Even though it’s a game, my fear of flying has decreased since. I’m kinda interested in planes but I have big respect for them. I'm also interested in geography and history, those were always my favourite subjects in school along sports, but I preferred to study them home. I also love to write stories that I just made up. Just everything I imagine in my head and I’ll write it. Lot of different stories, characters, universes. I think I have great imagination.
Reporter: Ahh, a man of many talents and persuasions. We know Squeaky is also a big basketball fan so it must be nice to share some interests outside tennis with some of your peers. Do you think that the things you do outside tennis complement your career in any way? You seem to have a very relaxed approach compared to some of your colleagues, but it seems to have worked well so far.Sebko: I'm very calm because of them and that is visible when I'm playing too. If I didn’t do them I would be in bigger chaos. So, yeah, they are important for my game too. I believe that if you are in mental discomfort, you won’t hide it in the game. That's why it is important to do things that you like and then play the game. I also believe in healthy body there is healthy mind. If I played more, it wouldn't be good for me. For me it works like this: many people may think I also lost now due to lack of practice. Even though I practice definitely less than some of the other players, I still prepare a bit. I don’t have much time to practice more but also I know myself and I know what works with me. If it didn’t work, I would simply change it.
Reporter: That’s very interesting. Yes, everyone is different and you seem to be able to still perform at a high level without much practice. Some guys on tour are really big on analytics, for example King of Cans and Kory. Do you think this is something you would ever implement in your preparations?Sebko: I like to analyse, but on court. It is harder and I lack a lot of time, but I analyse my opponent in the first games. I may add off court preparation, but I take off court preparation as talking with my friends about the game too and about matches. So that is kinda analysing. But if you mean if I ever watch my matches, no, I try to remember everything from the first time. But we’ll see what the time brings.
Reporter: Yes, the beauty of the sport is that it’s like a chess match, and some of the best chess players improvise during the game, whereas others study all the possible schemes. Neither approach is necessarily better than the other; however, it’s good that you have an open mind, you are still very young with room to evolve as your career progresses. So as for your future in the sport, do you have any specific long term goals or is it strictly a one day at a time approach you follow?Sebko: I have a few specific goals I want to achieve and I won’t stop playing before I achieve them. I feel like playing without any goal is like playing for nothing. I'm not playing to enjoy myself, I play to win, that was always the goal. That's what motivates me, that's what makes me keep playing.
Reporter: That’s good. Well, who doesn’t love to win? Okay, I would like to ask you a few questions about the tour in general.Sebko: Sure, go on.
Reporter: First of all, what do you think were the best matches this year? Including or excluding you.Sebko: I think the best match has to be on Grand Slam, the atmosphere is different and the fact that we play best of five is special. I know my matches the best because I survived them. I remember the moments when I was on the specific court and I was fighting for my life. So I can say the most about them. I think one of the best matches was myself verses Bash at Australian Open. The match had everything a great historic match should have. Generally, I think the level was quite high, but especially the ups and downs of the match. I was losing in third set, Bash had break and he used Berdych who wasn't easy to break. I made it to the tiebreak and won the third, it was very close. Then I remember he also had lead in the fourth set tiebreak and some set points, some in third probably too, but I saved them. That was an epic match and it was the Grand Slam final. I think one of the best matches I ever played. But also, I think one of the best generally on the tour was verses Vtrix at Australian Open quarter-final. It was a straight sets win, but it wasn't really like that. He was leading too with a break, not sure if second or third set, I think third. The tiebreaks were very close and in these matches one or two balls change the whole match and decide the winner. That's the most crazy thing how little can change, how one point can turn everything around. I don’t want to sound narcissistic now, but I think it’s pretty obvious that I remember my matches more, so I’ll just talk about them. At Rolland Garros I had pretty crazy matches, three five set battles that I managed to win. I think in terms of tennis quality, those weren’t the total best, but they were very dramatic and anything could have happened. I didn’t see the match, but I think King verses Kerber at Rolland Garros had to be a great match. Actually one of the matches I just remembered was at Australian Open when Hakisko lost to Ondra, that was a great match. But if we talk about tennis quality and both excitement, I think the best match so far was me verses Alexko at Rolland Garros semi-final, I don’t want to sound egoistic again, but it’s fair to say this was already the final. Even though he won in four sets, I think the quality of that match was amazing and almost every point was an intense long rally. The match had pretty much everything. At one point it was looking like I’m gonna force the fifth set, the last game was very long and tiring. Then at Wimbledon, I lost in four sets too but the match was the complete opposite. I started well but then I couldn’t do anything. But still, the quality was high. I pick Rolland Garros any day, I think. But it is also difficult to say in that moment when I was losing 0:2, I surely wouldn't say it, but especially the last two sets were special. And I think it has to be overall too.
Reporter: That’s great. Yes, you have been involved in arguably the best matches of the year. But it’s worth mentioning that there were some other great matches like Mbadwi verses Arvidisakson and Restrada, Don verses Liv at Rolland Garros, to name a few. But it’s unfortunate these matches weren’t televised. There have also been some thrilling three set matches, King of Cans verses Jabeur, where King of Cans had five match points and a litany of break points and King Barboza verses Andre Kerber, where King Barboza had seven match points, but five set matches will always have a more mythical element to them. So, what do you think of the idea that has been gaining traction in some corners, to eliminate best of five matches? Do you think it’s good for the sport?Sebko: Definitely not, the best champions have to survive five sets, that's what makes them what they are. It is generally more exciting for the fans and yeah, it is harder for players, but sport is supposed to be hard. Best of five matches are very special and it is also where you can see the difference between good and great players. Also, it is not only about technical skills but more about mental. And physical too, of course.
Reporter: Yes, I personally am a big fan of five set matches and I hope they remain at Grand Slams, it’s what makes the Grand Slams special. But we’ve already seen them eliminate best of five set matches at the Olympics and hopefully the slams won’t follow.Sebko: It’s an amazing experience and a different one to play for the country. I always find these competitions special and they have special place in my trophy cabinet. You know I come from relatively small country in Central Europe that some people may not even know. I was born here and raised, I lived here my whole life, even though my country has its problems, I still love Slovakia and I’m proud to represent it. I'm happy that I put my country on a Tennis Elbow map. I really hope we are gonna have Davis cup, whether in the original format or the reformed new one. I would love to play with my teammate and great friend Hakisko. At Olympics, it was even more unique moment because it is only once in four years. I’m happy that I was able to be part of all this, and winning silver medal is really good addition to it. I always find these events as something more than regular tournaments because I feel like I'm playing for something more than just ranking points.
Reporter: Yes, and you still have the chance to win the doubles tournament which was postponed because of a Covid outbreak. Do you think you can go all the way?Sebko: I believe we do, we have great team chemistry and we are aiming high, if the tournament is finished [laughs].
Reporter: Yes, you already won the ATP cup with Slovakia, so a gold medal in doubles would firmly establish Slovakia as the top Tennis Elbow nation. However, it’s fair to say that at ATP cup you had to really carry your nation, but in Hakisko, you have another great player who’s very motivated to win big things and fight for his nation. Reporter: Now a few more questions about the tour. So, who has the best forehand on tour?Sebko: After my match with Ls21, I would say him. But if we take a look overall I think it’s Alexko. His forehand may not be the most devastating one, but it doesn’t matter what character he’ll use, he has incredible control of it and he rarely misses. He can generate huge angles and plays with high precision, but I feel both of his strokes are one of the best. I may sound repetitive, but I think again it is Alexko, his backhand is also incredibly consistent and he can hit great angles. He knows exactly how to position for the backhand at any spot on the court which is even more important for one hander. I think my backhand could be mentioned but I don’t think it’s on Alexko level. With Lorenzko, I was able to hit unexpected winners from that side too and great returns, plus I think I have pretty good slice and I can use it in different situations. With Martonko, I feel like I’m more predictable from that side. I prefer one-handed backhand, but with Martonko, I rarely ever miss, but I don’t think the balls are devastating. I think I have more variety and I can hide slice or drop shots better with Lorenzko, but with Martonko, I had great precision for topspin strikes. Also, I have to mention, although he is retired now, Mystery’s backhand was one of the best, but first I talk about active players. But if we talk about generally the best backhand, I think Alexko again.
Reporter: Hmm, interesting. Best serve?Sebko: That's debatable, I think one of the best serves belongs to Squeaky. His serve is good with anyone. I think he has to be the best simply because he doesn’t use serve bots, most of the time, and yet his serve is a weapon, both first and second serve, just ask Jabeur.
Reporter: Best volleys?Sebko: There was one player that I haven't seen playing for long long time I think he is on space mission with his team. His name was Gaz. He had amazing volleys, over his level I felt like he won almost all points there and he was one of the best movers forward I ever saw. He knew exactly when he should rush the net. But from now on, I think this is also debatable, because the top guys simply don’t rush the net but they rely more on rallies which is obvious as the modern game is mostly set baseline, but obviously there needs to be some variety. I think Ls21 should be there, his game wouldn't be complete without net game. He has great approach shot and great reflexes, defensive players hate him. Also great smash. But I think definitely also Hakisko, he has fantastic touch and control at the net, it is very hard to win a point once he is at the net. At some moments he gets there too much, but I don’t think that has to do anything with his net game.
Reporter: Best variety?Sebko: Even though it may not be that visible, Alexko’s variety is amazing. It’s not just about slices, net play or drop shots, but the way he changes directions on his shots, it makes it very hard to read. At his best, Ondracool changed direction pretty well too. I believe I did too, and again Hakisko. With Hakisko, you will get no rhythm and it is very hard to get used to his shots. Not really sure who to pick, but I think everyone is in something different. I also heard Andre Kerber has great variety, but I never really played a real match with him, so I can’t say.
Reporter: I’ve heard Don is very similar, but unfortunately he’s retiring soon, if he hasn’t already. You’re too young to have had a chance to face him. Reporter: Fastest player?Sebko: King of Cans gets almost to every ball, I feel like he can run all day, so his stamina (as I mentioned) is amazing too. Alexko is pretty fast too, he never gets to too big defensive positions and just positions so fast. And, then also, I believe I’m one of the fastest, but I would say the fastest player is mainly the guy who runs forward fast and I think that can be King of Cans, but if it’s side movement too, I would go with anyone from us.
Reporter: Best return?Sebko: I would say myself. I never really get aced much and my return is still quite aggressive. But I return like I need to, I also need to change it because players would get used to it. I think return is one of my biggest strengths. Not only do I get tough returns back into play, but I made the rally be my return. My rally skills might not be as super good as some other players, but this is where I believe I’m the best. King of Cans’s return costs a mention, but his return is more defensive, he doesn’t get aced and hits most of the returns back into play, but I feel I return overall better.
Reporter: Most powerful?Sebko: Not sure if Poland is retiring or not, but he is probably the most powerful. Well, it’s the only thing he has left, if he had better variety, he could be fantastic even on all surfaces, but almost everybody is missing at least something. I think also Ondracool with Diego can create amazing power, early hits and lot of power.
Reporter: Best slice?Sebko: I would say myself or Hakisko. We both use slice in a kind of different sense, but I think we have the best slice. His defensive slice is probably the best, but I feel like I can confuse players sometimes with it. Also, high slices in defence help me to win lot of points, so it is important both for defence, but also for variety and change of rhythm.
Reporter: Fittest player?Sebko: In our terms, it means best prepared and able to survive long rallies and matches. I feel like that's King of Cans, he can rally every point and he doesn’t mind it. I feel like also Jabeur is like that, but he is more offensive. But all the top players need to be fit because that's what makes difference when it gets tough, so I don’t think I’m much behind or Alexko is.
Reporter: Biggest fighting spirit?Sebko: I believe it’s me, I always try to fight to the end, even when it’s not looking good for me and I feel positive about my chances, that's also why I managed to escape some of my matches and win them. It is my mission, the least I can do is to fight for every ball and try to win every point. You know, in tennis, unlike in other sports, the match is never over unless you hear game, set and match. Even when it’s 6:0, 5:0, 40:0, you can win. Nothing is impossible and I try to live like that, I want to give a message to players that whatever is happening, don’t stop fighting. Every point counts and you will thank me for it, even when you are suffering mentally and you want to stop, you want to retire from the match and you feel like you have no chance, don’t stop! That's the most important thing, even when your opponent is way better than you, these moments make us stronger and we need to suffer to win, we need to feel the pain, mental pain. As Benjamin Franklin said, “No pain, no gain.” You know, I learned the most when I got triple bageled by one top player. I wanted to end the match, I was suffering, I didn’t like it. He was so much better than me, but I kept trying in every point. I lost, but this experience made me stronger and the losses have lesser impact on me. I also figured out many things in my game that I wouldn't discover if I stopped playing or stopped trying. I believe I wouldn't be doing this interview with you, that's why I try to teach my players in academy, the most important is to keep going no matter what is happening and you have to survive the pain. Trust me, I hate losing like anything in my life, but I learned how to deal with them, not only in this game. Sometimes you just have to accept your opponent was better than you and congratulate him.
Reporter: Most clutch?Sebko: The best players have the best mental strength, even though I saw Alexko tank some sets he always feels comfortable, even at tough moments of the match. Hakisko is hot blooded, but he survives tough moments well too. If somebody looks at my matches, I think it’s fair to say me too, but it’s up for people to decide.
Reporter: Hardest worker?Sebko: King of Cans, by far. His dedication is incredible. He is very professional, both on court and off court, I admire him a lot. He has high ambitions and he keeps improving, always. Everybody has to work hard, or at least had to to get to the top level, but he is the most hard working. Alexko is very hard working too, but King of Cans took it to another level
Reporter: Laziest player?Sebko: There are some players that could achieve way more if they dedicated a bit more, but I don’t judge them at all because maybe they can’t play, because they don’t have time. Lazy might also mean lack of discipline a bit. I wouldn't be afraid to say Hakisko, he knows how I mean it [laughs], he is kinda like Fognini, yeah.
Reporter: Funniest player?Sebko: Zuherounicah, King of Cans, or Hakisko makes me laugh a lot too, but sometimes not on purpose. Then also, Squeaky. He has great humour, or even Alexko, but sometimes I don’t know if he is joking or not.
Reporter: Shyest player?Sebko: Lolo2b, he is really quiet but he likes to support his friends by watching. Here in Slovakia, we use one phrase on shy guys like him, I don’t know if it works in English too, but “Words comes from him like a hairy blanket.” But he is a really nice guy, though, I gotta say, even though he doesn’t like words, good evening.
Reporter: Best fashion sense?Sebko: Definitely not Ondracool, he always wears the same I don’t think he ever changed his outfit, it must be stinky. Squeaky has unorthodox outfits, I think he does it on purpose to distract his opponents [laughs]. Well, I believe mine is great because that's what I want to wear and I like it, but I’m preparing new collection for the USO I hope it will be nice in the eyes of people.
Reporter: Okay, so before we round up, what are your general thoughts about the tour, and are there any suggestions you would like to make? As the number one player, do you feel like you have an important role to play, as an ambassador?Sebko: I love the tour how it is, there were things that triggered me a bit, but now everything is good. If I didn’t like it, I would tell it to the owner. I think this tour is amazing, it is exactly how I imagined it to be. It has no problems unlike other tours, no problems with communication. There are active, dedicated players here that play every week. The level is high and yet, we are one of the biggest tours, if not the biggest already. I give the sceptre to competent and correct people that are doing a great job, especially have to mention Squeaky, who did an extremely lot for the tour and I’m very happy that I was able to meet him. Ls21 made the server look beautiful and clear, and other admins did great job too. I feel like we should credit them more because they have to work a lot for the tour and they have their own jobs and personal lives but they decided to dedicate part of their life to this tour, for the players. That is something amazing that I appreciate a lot, thanks a lot to them. I feel like we could create something like ATP council, where players would present their ideas about tournaments, but just present nothing official, to hear their opinion, but admins would take care of it and make the final decision. I feel like, not only because I’m the number one player, I remember our tour in January, it improved so much since then. It was chaotic, but now everything is cool, thanks to our administrators. I want to say in public that we should appreciate their work, because if all of sudden they decided not to work on the tour, everything would fall. Thanks a lot guys, one more time, and keep up the good work. It means a lot to me and for sure, for other players too.
Reporter: Thank you, Sebko! It’s been a pleasure speaking with you and all the best for the rest of the season!Sebko: The pleasure was on my side, thanks a lot! Hope to meet again soon!
