Norman aims to win a Grand Slam title

Norman dealt with the media with aplomb, answering questions with forthrightness, clarity and looked at the good side of life which is bound to have some disappointments.

“It will be a tough first match with Taylor Dent. He is doing well. He is also a big server,” reflected the Swede on his first match.

About the weather and climatic conditions here, Norman’s reaction was spontaneous and striking: “I’m aware of the history of the tournament. Top seeds have not done well here. I’m focussed 100% and also comfortable with the weather. I have come four days in advance and am getting used to the conditions. It’s the first tournament of the year, underdogs will be hungry to beat you.

“Take one match at a time. The competition is getting stronger. If you have a bad day, you are going to lose,” Norman stated the obvious `tennis’ dictum, in reply to whom he considered a threat here.

Norman applauded ATP for its ATP Champions Race system for evaluating the players’ rankings. He said: “Everybody starts from zero points in the ATP Tour at the beginning of the year. It’s a very good system. Some changes are good. It’s one of the better things on the ATP Tour.”

Norman was working in Monte Carlo and Sweden with his compatriots Thomas Johansson and Andreas Vinciguerra before this event.

Goals for 2001: “To stay healthy. I’m a good player. Keep improving and can play longer. And, win the French Open which suits my style,” said Norman.

Norman considers playing countryman and idol Stefan Edberg as one of his best moments in life.

“There are twenty players who have the potential to become World Number One in the ATP Tour. Among the juniors, Lleyton Hewitt, Vinciguerra, Marat Safin and Juan Carlos Ferrero have a chance for reaching Number One,” said the Swede.

Norman, who started tennis at the age of eight, enjoyed his younger days, travelling with Swedish players in trains and buses. Thereby Norman inculcated team spirit and toughness.

The Swede found the pressure hard to handle initially after getting to Number One on the ATP Champions Race since he was not in that position before handling people all over the world. He said: “Now, I’m able to handle it. It took some time for me to get used to it.”

Norman wants to concentrate on doubles also this year. “Playing doubles will improve my singles game. My serve and volley needs improvement. So, doubles is the best way for doing it,” Norman viewed doubles as a stepping ladder for singles.

“We are too professional now. We are working very hard. So it’s difficult to show one’s emotions on the court. I don’t know whether behaving in an inappropriate way is personality,” Norman finished off like a tennis pro.