Abu Dhabi Week chats to the flamboyant French star ahead of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship 2011
This will be your second appearance in Abu Dhabi. What are you most looking forward to?
I like the strong field and enthusiasm for us here. It is a great location to open up a new season.
What’s so special about the Mubadala World Tennis Championship?
It is a great atmosphere and even though it is an exhibition the competition exists. It is also a great place for fans as they have the possibility to get up close and personal with us.
It’s a really strong line-up this year – how do you rate your chances?
Like everyone else in the field, I have proven before that I can beat any of these talented guys so I will try my hardest.
You’ve quickly established yourself as one of the fans’ favourites. What makes you so popular?
I don’t know – maybe ask the fans! I am a down to earth guy and I play with my heart when I am on the court so the fans probably enjoy this.
Will you get any time off this year and if so, is there anywhere you particularly want to visit?
I would like to take some time and visit the city a bit and maybe experience Ferrari World.
You finished the season really strongly, finalist twice. Despite the outcome were you happy with your form at the conclusion of the season and are you looking forward to 2012?
I had a tremendous second part of the season in 2011 and it is promising for 2012. I know I can play alongside tennis’ best and my goal is to enjoy myself on the court and try to win a major event. I know I have the game to do so but competition is fierce …
On day one you play David Ferrer and it’s always been close between you in previous encounters. Any thoughts on the match and will you experiment before the Australian open?
It will be a tough match, no doubt about it. We will all be coming back from Christmas break but I will have to be ready from the first point. David is a great athlete, he showed this again in 2011 and a stellar performance in the Davis Cup Final.
You can catch Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in action at the Mubadala World Tennis Championships 2011 from 29th to 31st December at the International Tennis Complex in Zayed Sports City.
For more information, visit www.mubadalawtc.com
