Mark Nixon · @markalannixon
15th Feb 2013 from Twitlonger
Interesting interview with Ernests Gulbis in today's print edition of l'Equipe (20130215):
"I was sick a lot in 2011, but that doesn't explain my bad year. The truth is, I was completely lost. I was looking for a solid structure, but I kept changing (coaches)...some buddies of mine mentioned Bresnik. I gave his academy in Vienna a shot, and I finally found a stable environment."
Yesterday in Rotterdam he fought formidably in a heavyweight fight against Juan Martin del Potro. Yes, he lost 7-6, 6-3, but it was a rich learning experience. His formidable power hadn't been diminished by discotheque visits.
"I'm happy because I played my natural game, which is aggressive. I don't care if I lost if I played my game. I hit winners and made errors, but that's OK. If I keep playing like this, I'll have a tournament victory in 20 matches...
"It's not that I don't like practising, it's just that I'm an impatient type. It has to pay off right away. If not, my motivation disappears. Gunther changed my forehand. My stroke had lost it's naturalness when I was 18. A week later, I beat Andy Murray in an exhibition. With him, I get the feeling my hours on the court are useful. Before, I felt my head was filled with crap about playing patterns. I've rediscovered a more free technique, and now I'm not going to change it.
"I'm only playing tennis for one reason: to win a Grand Slam. I don't care about the rest, if I'm 25, 50, or 100 in the world. I'm a maximalist. It's the same with 250's, 500's or even Masters 1000's -- not for me. Unless I reach the pinnacle, I'll remain unsatisfied.
"In your lifetime, at what point do you stop being an idiot? I'm 24. Enough is enough!"