so here you can post articles and interviews
starting with an interview:
starting with an interview:
Andrea Petkovic: “My dream was always to compete with the best players in the world”
Andrea Petkovic, who had a great 2010 tennis season, interrupted her vacations for a few minutes and gave an interview to La Marca where she talks about lots of things… Enjoy it….
You were born in Serbia but you moved to Germany soon. From where do you feel you are?
I always say I am German with a great Serbian heart. The way I think and approach things is German, but my emotions and how I relate to people is Serbia. I guess it’s a good mix.
How did you get the idea of being a professional tennis player?
My dream was always to compete against the best players in the world and play on the big stage. After finishing school I decided to try it for two years. The idea was that if I didn’t get to be among the top 50 I would quit. Luckily, I have achieved my goal.
Who has been or is your idol?
Among the women, Serena Williams. I love her aggressiveness, her scrupulous game and perfect attitude on the court.
Among men, Rafa Nadal. It is a great idol for all players, very competitive and an example in character whether in victory or defeat.
How would you describe yourself as a tennis player?
I’m an aggressive player who likes to go for the ball, take risks. But I also do a lot of physical work because, besides being good, knowing that I have resistance gives me confidence to play important points and big games.
Your only title so far dates back to July 2009 when you won in Bad Gastein.
When is the next title coming?
Hopefully soon … This year I’ve been close a few times, but ultimately could not be. But I’m sure the next title is very close.
You are 23 years old and ranked 32 of the WTA ranking. How far do you think you can go?
I’m still very young and I have a long way to go. Not only do I have to improve in the ranking, but my tennis to me is more important.
Right now I’m focused on that because I know that the ranking will improve automatically if my game gets better.
Germany does not have a single player among the top thirty in ATP and WTA rankings. What about the crisis being experienced by the German tennis?
I think it’s just a strange period of time that will end soon. In Germany we have many talented young players who have the option of being in top positions in the ranking. We just need patience and willingness to turn these players into stars.
How was your 2010 season? What are your goals for the coming year?
This has been my best year so far. I got to the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time (at the U.S. Open lost to Vera Zvonareva in) and I beat good players.
I will be seeded for the Australia Open next year and that means I’m going to avoid the best players in the early rounds.
However, I have to be more consistent if want to improve the ranking. That is my main challenge for the new season.
Who is your best friend in the circuit?
Tajtana Malek, my doubles partner in the Grand Slam, whom I know since I was 10 years and unfortunately we do not meet often as we usually play different tournaments. With Ana Ivanovic also get along really well, we’ve known for years and is a great girl.
Do you have a hobby during games or tournaments?
I place water bottles aligned in a particular order as does Nadal. I started not too long ago and, unlike Rafa, I always have three bottles instead of two and all must have the same size.
Also put the racquets in a specific order in the bag and no one can touch my bag during the tournament.
What can you say about ‘Petko-Dance’, this dance has become so famous?
If I’m honest, I never thought I would have much significance … It began as a simple bet with my coach and I kept doing it because I was winning. When I’m happy I dance. I hope that people likes it and are encouraged to try it, it’s fun.
What is Andrea Petkovic off the track?
I like to enjoy life to the fullest. I have many friends that have nothing to do with tennis and I love spending time with them. I like going out, going to concerts and dancing. A large part of my life is music. I play guitar and drums when I can, and although I have not much talent, it amuses me. And dance, of course.
If you weren’t a tennis player, what would you have liked to be?
I was going to study law to become a lawyer, but it sounds boring, right?
I read that your favorite food is McDonald’s burger … Unhealthy for an athlete, right?
I know! It’s bad … But that’s why it is my favorite food, because I can not eat it a lot if I do not want to get fat. But if I have to be honest, I would change a steak for a BigMac at any time.
Are you ‘addicted’ to social networks like Twitter or Facebook.?
I have a profile on Facebook (facebook.com/petkovicandrea), another on Twitter (@andreapetkovic) and my own website (www.andreapetkovic.de) to maintain contact with my fans and share my thoughts with them off the track. But try not consume all my time on the internet and try reading some books.
You speak four languages (French, German, English and Serbian): Will dare to study a fifth?
Now I’m learning Spanish. I can Understand almost everything, but it is still difficult to speak. Give me a year or two for it …
Andrea Petkovic, who had a great 2010 tennis season, interrupted her vacations for a few minutes and gave an interview to La Marca where she talks about lots of things… Enjoy it….
You were born in Serbia but you moved to Germany soon. From where do you feel you are?
I always say I am German with a great Serbian heart. The way I think and approach things is German, but my emotions and how I relate to people is Serbia. I guess it’s a good mix.
How did you get the idea of being a professional tennis player?
My dream was always to compete against the best players in the world and play on the big stage. After finishing school I decided to try it for two years. The idea was that if I didn’t get to be among the top 50 I would quit. Luckily, I have achieved my goal.
Who has been or is your idol?
Among the women, Serena Williams. I love her aggressiveness, her scrupulous game and perfect attitude on the court.
Among men, Rafa Nadal. It is a great idol for all players, very competitive and an example in character whether in victory or defeat.
How would you describe yourself as a tennis player?
I’m an aggressive player who likes to go for the ball, take risks. But I also do a lot of physical work because, besides being good, knowing that I have resistance gives me confidence to play important points and big games.
Your only title so far dates back to July 2009 when you won in Bad Gastein.
When is the next title coming?
Hopefully soon … This year I’ve been close a few times, but ultimately could not be. But I’m sure the next title is very close.
You are 23 years old and ranked 32 of the WTA ranking. How far do you think you can go?
I’m still very young and I have a long way to go. Not only do I have to improve in the ranking, but my tennis to me is more important.
Right now I’m focused on that because I know that the ranking will improve automatically if my game gets better.
Germany does not have a single player among the top thirty in ATP and WTA rankings. What about the crisis being experienced by the German tennis?
I think it’s just a strange period of time that will end soon. In Germany we have many talented young players who have the option of being in top positions in the ranking. We just need patience and willingness to turn these players into stars.
How was your 2010 season? What are your goals for the coming year?
This has been my best year so far. I got to the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time (at the U.S. Open lost to Vera Zvonareva in) and I beat good players.
I will be seeded for the Australia Open next year and that means I’m going to avoid the best players in the early rounds.
However, I have to be more consistent if want to improve the ranking. That is my main challenge for the new season.
Who is your best friend in the circuit?
Tajtana Malek, my doubles partner in the Grand Slam, whom I know since I was 10 years and unfortunately we do not meet often as we usually play different tournaments. With Ana Ivanovic also get along really well, we’ve known for years and is a great girl.
Do you have a hobby during games or tournaments?
I place water bottles aligned in a particular order as does Nadal. I started not too long ago and, unlike Rafa, I always have three bottles instead of two and all must have the same size.
Also put the racquets in a specific order in the bag and no one can touch my bag during the tournament.
What can you say about ‘Petko-Dance’, this dance has become so famous?
If I’m honest, I never thought I would have much significance … It began as a simple bet with my coach and I kept doing it because I was winning. When I’m happy I dance. I hope that people likes it and are encouraged to try it, it’s fun.
What is Andrea Petkovic off the track?
I like to enjoy life to the fullest. I have many friends that have nothing to do with tennis and I love spending time with them. I like going out, going to concerts and dancing. A large part of my life is music. I play guitar and drums when I can, and although I have not much talent, it amuses me. And dance, of course.
If you weren’t a tennis player, what would you have liked to be?
I was going to study law to become a lawyer, but it sounds boring, right?
I read that your favorite food is McDonald’s burger … Unhealthy for an athlete, right?
I know! It’s bad … But that’s why it is my favorite food, because I can not eat it a lot if I do not want to get fat. But if I have to be honest, I would change a steak for a BigMac at any time.
Are you ‘addicted’ to social networks like Twitter or Facebook.?
I have a profile on Facebook (facebook.com/petkovicandrea), another on Twitter (@andreapetkovic) and my own website (www.andreapetkovic.de) to maintain contact with my fans and share my thoughts with them off the track. But try not consume all my time on the internet and try reading some books.
You speak four languages (French, German, English and Serbian): Will dare to study a fifth?
Now I’m learning Spanish. I can Understand almost everything, but it is still difficult to speak. Give me a year or two for it …