The second year of the ATP Shenzhen Open will begin September 28, running until October 4 at the Longgang Sports Center. Top tennis talent like Gilles Simon, Marin Cilic and Tommy Robredo will vie for the win at the ATP World Tour 250 event.
That’s PRD caught up off court with Robredo, currently ranked world number 21. Known for his baseline play, an infamous flipping off at the Valencia Open and his former “Disco Tommy” hairstyle, Robredo has won 12 career titles since going pro in 1998. With many accolades to his name – representing Spain at the 2004 Olympics, a career high of being ranked men’s number five in the world – most here in Guangdong know the Spaniard for his performance last year at the inaugural Shenzhen Open, where Andy Murray beat him in the championship game. Here, Robredo shares his thoughts with us on training, strategies and seafood.
On coming in second last year at the inaugural Shenzhen Open…
It was an incredible experience. I played very well and the final was [a] great match for the spectators… I was only one point away [from beating] Murray in the finals.
The difference of playing in Shenzhen compared to Shanghai or Beijing…
Shenzhen is a new tournament in the calendar since last year, and I really like it. I have great memories from last year because I was very close to [winning] the title.
On deciding which non-mandatory tournaments to attend and the decision to participate in the Shenzhen Open this year…
I look [at] what is more convenient for me in that moment, for my ranking and also… the tournaments where I usually play well, like Shenzhen. I had great feelings playing there, good atmosphere and accommodation.
How he’s seen professional men’s tennis in China evolve…
Professional tennis tournaments [have] grown a lot during these years…. Now there are more opportunities for players to play in China, and every year there are improvements.
This year’s professional and personal goals…
My goals are to keep playing tennis at [a] high level and try to do my best every day on and off the court.
His pre-match rituals…
I don’t have a ritual, but I like to prepare well. [I] wake up at least three to four hours before the match, have a good warm up in the gym and then [a] 30- to 40-minute warm-up on the court. I write the strategy for the match with my coach, and I read it just before each match.
On injuries and preventative training…
I was very unlucky with injuries the past two years. I know I have to be more careful now, as professional tennis is very demanding on the body. I always warm up well and… I travel with my own physio to prevent injuries.
His plan for facing off with Gilles Simon and Marin Cilic at the tournament…
Obviously they are great champions. I always look match by match. I will think about the plan when I have to play them.
On his fans…
The fans were always good to me… Especially in China, I feel that people like me, and this is always nice.
His favorite Chinese foods…
I like all Chinese seafood dishes, but also the duck specialties.
On being named after The Who’s rock opera and how much classic rock has shaped his personality…
My dad named me Tommy because he liked The Who. But I listen to all kind[s] of music, and I don’t think my personality has much to do with rock music.
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