DNA

Chennai, Jan 8 (mb): No, Rafael Nadal couldn’t make a winning start to the year. It was a rather tame defeat in the Chennai final on Sunday, going by the world No.2’s own lofty standards. Despite the disappointment, the 21-year-old spoke to Naoshirvan Vakil before jetting off for his next challenge, the Australian Open, beginning in Melbourne on January 14.

Excerpts...

Your favourite city?

Mallorca. It’s my home town. I love the place.

What are your aspirations for the Australian Open?

I always play well in Melbourne. Last year I reached the quarterfinals, so I hope to do better this time. If I am playing well I have a good chance to win the tournament.

Is Chennai turning out to be another Wimbledon for you?

(Smiles) It’s a little different. Of course Chennai is an important tournament and I will try and win it next year.

Who will do it first -  Roger Federer winning the French Open, or Nadal winning Wimbledon?

I think Roger has a great chance to win the French Open first. He is a very good player on clay. We have had some really close matches in the finals in Paris. I had my chance the last two years (2006 & 2007) at the Wimbledon too (where he reached the final, and lost to Federer both times). I have been fighting every year for that title and I ran Roger very close last year. But it is easier for Roger to win the French first before I win Wimbledon as there are far more tournaments on clay to prepare for the French Open. On grass there are very few tourneys, so it is more difficult for me.