Mecir has made a difference: Kucera

Chennai, April 8: It was a year ago at the Australian Open when the gentle giant from Bratislava, Karol Kucera, came into prominence with...

Chennai, April 8: It was a year ago at the Australian Open when the gentle giant from Bratislava, Karol Kucera, came into prominence with a stunning victory over World No 1 Pete Sampras in the quarter-finals. The victory assumes ever more significance because Sampras was outplayed and his serve broken seven times in the match, which is a rarity. Boris Becker, after losing the ’95 Wimbledon final to Sampras, said: “He was serving rain balls. It was very difficult to distinguish Pete’s second serve from his first serve.”

Soft-spoken and modest, Kucera, took time out for a chat with The Indian Express after his first round victory over Michael Kohlmann in the ongoing Gold Flake Open tournament.

Excerpts:

Q: What were your thoughts when Slovakia were leading 2-0 with Sweden in the Davis Cup, since your team had lost from the same position last year?

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A: Last year, I also played doubles which made me tired. I was not able to give my best and lost to Magnus Norman. This year, I decided not to play doubles. I was not feeling well before the crucial encounter against Enqvist. The physical trainer helped me. My teammates also lifted my spirits which enabled me to defeat Enqvist and see my country through to next round.

Q: Enqvist is suuposed to have said that you played unbelievable. Was that your best victory?

A: I played the best match of the year.

Q: Describe 1998…

A: I got a lot of confidence when I won a tournament in ’97 Ostrava. The second part of ’97 was good and I finished the year ranked No 24. I got my first big result in ’98 Australian Open.

Q: Mercir’s influence on your game?

A: A lot. We have been working for the last three years. He has been travelling with me for one year. I made good progress. He taught me some tactics on how to move on the court. We are good friends.

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Q: Sampras dominated tennis for the last years. Do you think anyone will dominate like him?

A: It’s very difficult. I don’t think anyone will dominate like him. It’s good for tennis.

Q: Among Slovakians, Dominik Hrbaty is doing well. Are there any other promising players in your country?

A: Tennis is the most popular sport after ice-hockey. Slovakian Tennis Association has got some good programmes. Juniors are coming up, but they are not competing in the ATP Tour at present.

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Q: You toppled two big servers Richard Krajicek and Goran Ivanisevic on way to your title in New Haven. What type of game plan you have for big servers?

A: On the statistics, I have better return of serve than the other guys. They do not like balls coming back at them. So it creates problems for them.

Q: What is happiness for Kucera?

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To have harmony in life. Should not have much stress and keep good health.

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