- Until the very end of the match, it wasn’t clear who would win. With the new rules, everything was very close. It was 10/10, and when the time was almost up, the game was decided in the last seconds. What do you think of the format? Everyone notes that it's quite intense to play in such a format. How do you manage to endure such intense tennis?
- The most important thing is that the format should appeal to the audience, that’s the most important thing for me. It seemed to me that the stadium was satisfied. We played 10/10 and then played the deciding point. I got a little confused about the rules and went to ask the umpire for clarification. I’m looking forward to the next day to get back on the court. As for the intensity, yes, but I’ll say that we were doing pretty much the same thing we’ve been doing for the last 10 years on the professional tour court.
- When you found out who your first opponent would be, did you have a strategy in mind, or how did you plan to conserve your energy during the match?
- First and foremost, I went out there to enjoy myself. It was only in the middle of the second ‘period’, you could say, that I began to understand what was happening. Since it was my first time on court in such a format, I don’t yet know how to use the time to my advantage. We were talking in the locker room with the guys and realized that the player who starts the match with the serve is at an advantage because they’ll most likely finish it with the serve, which is important. Like in my match against Roberto [Bautista Agut], the score was tied, but he had the advantage on serve.
- How is the atmosphere inside the team? I understand it’s only the first day, but is there anything you can point out?
- Everything is great. We share a locker room with two teams. We all know each other; we’ve been friends for years. It’s much better than at tour tournaments because it's friendlier here.
- You were supported throughout the match. Did that support help you, or at times did it distract you, especially when they were cheering loudly?
- First of all, these matches are organized for the spectators, so they should behave however they want. The main thing is that they enjoy it. For me, it’s important that they cheer and have fun, and it doesn’t bother me at all.
- You participated in a children’s masterclass today, where you created your own contest. We know you love interacting with kids. How did it go?
- It went great! A lot of people showed up. The kids played really well. I organized a small contest where they had to hit the ball with the edge of the racket into a bottle. Whoever got it in won a T-shirt with my autograph. A girl named Elizaveta won and she was really happy.
- When you observe the younger generations, can you already tell at that age who might become the next «Alexander Bublik»?
- Of course, you can’t help but notice, especially at such events, who plays better, who has a cleaner game, who moves better. It’s hard to evaluate kids under 10 years old, but you can’t help but spot things with a professional eye. I’m always interested in where they’re from, which city, because it’s always nice when someone from your hometown plays well — it’s like balm for the soul. Sometimes, I want to give advice, but I hold back because if you help one, you can't help the others.
- What would you say to people who watched the match on TV and how would you invite them to this tournament in your hometown?
- We need to support the players in St. Petersburg. Unfortunately, tennis doesn’t take the leading position in media coverage in sports, but this year there were a lot more spectators: fans, kids. We’re heading in the right direction. This tournament is the jewel of our city and our country. Come, cheer, enjoy, and love tennis!