Malek: Wimbledon Preview

>>> Before we talk about the up-coming grass court season, what are your thoughts on your first round exit in the French Open?

My first thoughts on my first round exit in the French Open were: “Bye, bye my next 45 points.”  Last year I got 50 points here but this year I only got 5 points. This is the fourth tournament where the five points I’ve picked up have counted against my ranking, after the Australian Open, Indian Wells and Miami.”

These tournaments are very important because if you want to stay in the top 100 you must win more points and progressive further.

>>> Although Timea Bacsinszky is a tough opponent, you must have felt you had a good chance of getting through?

I know that I must think: “I am the greatest and I am the best …”, but I have known Timea for years and I’ve only won one game against her in Barcelona last year. You must know that every player who is in this ranking position can play great tennis and at the Grand Slams each player wants to win and give their best.

>>> You’ve also had some games in the Bundesliga recently, how has that gone?

This year I play in Radolfzell. I’m at the beautiful little town of Bodensee and there are a lot of people behind us. There’s always a good atmosphere here, so we were able to win our two home games. But in Stuttgart we lost. Now each team has lost at least one time, so the season is very interesting. Tomorrow we have to play against the leaders Benrath. I hope we can win.

>>> So moving onto the grass court season – will you be playing any tournaments on grass before Wimbledon comes around?

Before Wimbledon I’ll play in s’Hertogenbosch. There I have to play the Quali, but I hope I can win some games so that I get the right feeling for the grass court.

>>> And Wimbledon itself, how do you feel about your chances of having a good run in the singles or doubles there?

I can only say that if I know my opponent! I hope I can get some points because I have to defend 160 from last year. Wimbledon was my best tournament in 2009.  For the doubles I hope Andrea and I won’t have to play against the number one pair in the world again. I hope we can play for a long tme in London.

>>> With it not being too far from Germany, do you have many friends and family come over to watch you play?

You are right it is not far, but my mother and my younger brother Matthias have to go to school and my other brother, Daniel, who was with me in Barcelona and in Paris has found a new football club, so he has to look for a new flat.

>>> What are your feelings on the Wimbledon Grand Slam?

I like Wimbledon and playing on grass. There I have had my best tournament and you can surely understand that there are good memories.

>>> It’s many players’ favourite tournament; what do you think makes it so special?

At first I think it is the grass court, but Wimbledon has an old tradition and I think every player in the world is very, very proud to play there.

>>> You’ll have a few fans at the Championships cheering you on – do you have a message for your followers?

Vince Lombardi says:” The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender”. I hope a lot of people will help me and stand behind me.

Tatjana Malek