AS.com, June 2003
"I Prefer Wimbledon over Roland Garros"
Only 17 years-old, Rafael Nadal has revolutionized the world tennis panorama. His performances in Hamburg, Monte Carlo, and London have awakened the interest of the worldwide press, that's even started to compare him to German Boris Becker.
Q:What do you think of your second Wimbledon experience, this one with the older players?
A: I am satisfied. I came from an injury and I was equal although there were losts. I had 2 good matches, but not as good in the 3rd.
Q: You've been revolutionizing the world of tennis for several months. How does the pressure affect you?
A: I don't have any pressure. I'm the same all the time, intending to give the maximum on the court. If I win matches, good. If not, I'll give the same.
Q: Is it strange to see the commotion that has already formed about you?
A: In the Godo Open it was a little exaggerated. There were a lot of people hovering around me. They asked me questions: "What's the matter now?" I didn't think it was that bad.
Q:Now that you're 17, no one demands results, but that will change soon...
A: Soon everything will change. Right now I want to enjoy what I've achieved and only think about what I've done this best year of my life.
Q: People will begin to know your feats around the world...
A: It's normal for them to talk about me. A young player who gets good results will get a lot of attention.
Q: Including being compared to the German Boris Becker...
A: I don't make much of these comparisons. Becker's won almost everything and I, right now, am 65 in the world.
Q:You entered the top 100 at age 16. Before then the only one to do that was Michael Chang, who won Roland Garros. What do you say about this?
A: Every player is different. Right now, I'm only interested in improving. I think it's still far, the day when I win a Grand Slam.
Q:One of your sports victimes was Moya.What did it feel like winning against him?
A: Carlos is my friend. I've known him for many years and I felt bad winning over him. It's not easy to play against someone so young because all the pressure is all on you. I would've preferred to eliminate Federer.
Q: Is it true that you don't have idols?
A: Idols, none. I like Carlos Moya and Pete Sampras a lot.
Q: Will we see anyone capable of filling the space of USA?
A: Right now, no. There's a lot of equality up there. I don't see any easy win over its games.
Q:Roland Garros is the maximum?
A: I would prefer to win Wimbledon. Spaniards have almost never done too well there and it's the tournament I long for. It's difficult, but it's a goal I have.
Q: And Davis Cup?
A: Now isn't the time. There are many players at higher levels to me. Although, I would like to play, of course.
Q: With what remains in every Spanish player?
A: With nothing in particular. The Spanish players are very serious and fighter on the court, and this makes then good on all surfaces. In addition, there a lot of juniors behind who do things well. This is what emphasizes everything.
**Thanks for the translation, Chen. Well done! Please do not copy or use on other sites without permission of VamosRafael.com.**
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