“Lions” Are Determined to Win
On November 29 the press conference with team Lions took Place. Karen Khachanov, Dusan Lajovic, Roberto Bautista Agut, Viktoriya Tomova, Anastasia Potapova and Mikhail Youzhny answered journalists questions.
Alexander Medvedev, Chairman of the Board of PJSC «FC Zenit», Advisor to the CEO of Gazprom Export LLC, and General Director of the tournament, also joined the Q&A session, as he said he was born in August so he is supporting Lions in the tournament.
- The first question will be about the format. It is kind of challenging for the classic tennis rules as we decided to make a set of 20 minutes only. What are your thoughts? Will it be challenging for you or not? Karen, maybe you will start?
Karen Khachanov: Yes, there have been some changes this year, and we were informed about them. Honestly, we’ve never participated in tournaments with such a format before. So, it’s something new, something interesting. The tournament commission is probably looking for some new features, let’s say. And today I trained. In the morning, I tried it out, and trained with Dusan. We played one set, rested for 10 minutes, and then played another 10 minutes. It was very intense, unusual, and I think it will be interesting.
- Someone else wants to take this question, maybe?
Dusan Lajovic: For sure, it’s gonna be interesting because every rule change in tennis gives a different perspective. Me and Karen tested today the set. I am really tired, I do not know if I can say the same about my partner. This is because I have pulled all the weight or Karen was too prepared. But it was fun and tomorrow it is definitely going to be interesting to watch.
- Viktoriya, maybe you want to add something?
Viktoriya: Yes, I have never played this type of format, and I think it is interesting and it is definitely going to be fun. And as Nastya [Potapova] said, she tried it yesterday with Julia and I am just looking to see how it will be on the game.
- Robertо, maybe you would like to share your thoughts?
Roberto: I will have the experience first hand, because I will play first. I think the match will be very intense, could be very intense. I think the standing point will make a huge difference in the match and well I will play the first match of the competition and we will see.
- I wanted to ask, since you mentioned that Karen was already ready and Dusan was a bit tired, did you manage to get enough rest and prepare for the season, or are you still not fully ready for the start? How much preparation has been done by January and December?
Karen: There’s still a whole month before the season starts. I can only say that I’ve just begun preparing. But it seems like Dusan had a good rest, better than me, he is more relaxed. Maybe because of that, I seem more ready. But honestly, I rested well, finished the season well, and have basically just started my preparation. This is my second time in St. Petersburg, and here, I can say, my preparation continues. I’ll be training at this great tournament and then from here, I’ll head to the remaining training sessions.
- Dusan, I want to ask about your preparation for this season. You mentioned that you were a bit tired after that 20-minute set. So, what does that say about your preparation? Do you feel refreshed now or not yet?
Dusan: Yes, I am in a much better place than Karen because I still do not have kids. So I was able to enjoy this week. No, I am joking, we still have another month to prepare for the season in Australia, and my third season will start after St. Petersburg. So, I think I’m ready for the next season. As I mentioned, I had two weeks of rest. I feel motivated for the next season, and I’m ready to keep going. I’m 34 years old, I’m not exactly young anymore, but I think I still have a few more years left, so I’m looking forward to the next season.
- Another question for Mikhail Youzhny - in 2004 you earned your first title here at St.Petersburg Open. Which victory would you call the most pleasant - that one 20 years ago or here in this tournament as a captain? And the second question - Alexander Ivanovich Medvedev said that in the case of an unexpected injury sustained by a player, the captain might be asked to perform on court. Are you ready?
Mikhail: Well, first of all, I wish everyone good health. So let’s avoid any injuries. Although, I’d love to go out and play, to be honest.
A. Medvedev: We said that the reason for the substitution can be not only an injury but also the unsatisfactory performance of a particular player.
- Since the players will soon need to warm up before the games, let’s ask the last question. Today, the girls went on a tour of the Lakhta Center, maybe they’ll share their impressions of what they saw, and perhaps Alexander Ivanovich will tell us how much he loves the Lakhta Center, the views it offers, which are really amazing.
Anastasia: Yes, today we went to the Lakhta Center. I was surprised that such a building exists in Russia; I didn’t know about it. I really enjoyed the tour, and I want to thank you for this opportunity.
Viktoriya: Yes, I really enjoyed my time today at the Lakhta Center. Thank you for the opportunity. It was such an interesting building, very modern. The views were stunning, very beautiful. Thank you!
A. Medvedev: The Lakhta Center and its surrounding area are a unique combination. Everyone will have the chance to sign up for a tour and visit this tower. Inside the tower, there will be a Zenit souvenir shop, and a restaurant, so it will be a great place to spend time with a lot of enjoyment and benefits. The views are absolutely stunning, and taking a photo there will be a long-lasting memory.
Alexander Medvedev, Chairman of the Board of PJSC «FC Zenit», Advisor to the CEO of Gazprom Export LLC, and General Director of the tournament, also joined the Q&A session, as he said he was born in August so he is supporting Lions in the tournament.
- The first question will be about the format. It is kind of challenging for the classic tennis rules as we decided to make a set of 20 minutes only. What are your thoughts? Will it be challenging for you or not? Karen, maybe you will start?
Karen Khachanov: Yes, there have been some changes this year, and we were informed about them. Honestly, we’ve never participated in tournaments with such a format before. So, it’s something new, something interesting. The tournament commission is probably looking for some new features, let’s say. And today I trained. In the morning, I tried it out, and trained with Dusan. We played one set, rested for 10 minutes, and then played another 10 minutes. It was very intense, unusual, and I think it will be interesting.
- Someone else wants to take this question, maybe?
Dusan Lajovic: For sure, it’s gonna be interesting because every rule change in tennis gives a different perspective. Me and Karen tested today the set. I am really tired, I do not know if I can say the same about my partner. This is because I have pulled all the weight or Karen was too prepared. But it was fun and tomorrow it is definitely going to be interesting to watch.
- Viktoriya, maybe you want to add something?
Viktoriya: Yes, I have never played this type of format, and I think it is interesting and it is definitely going to be fun. And as Nastya [Potapova] said, she tried it yesterday with Julia and I am just looking to see how it will be on the game.
- Robertо, maybe you would like to share your thoughts?
Roberto: I will have the experience first hand, because I will play first. I think the match will be very intense, could be very intense. I think the standing point will make a huge difference in the match and well I will play the first match of the competition and we will see.
- I wanted to ask, since you mentioned that Karen was already ready and Dusan was a bit tired, did you manage to get enough rest and prepare for the season, or are you still not fully ready for the start? How much preparation has been done by January and December?
Karen: There’s still a whole month before the season starts. I can only say that I’ve just begun preparing. But it seems like Dusan had a good rest, better than me, he is more relaxed. Maybe because of that, I seem more ready. But honestly, I rested well, finished the season well, and have basically just started my preparation. This is my second time in St. Petersburg, and here, I can say, my preparation continues. I’ll be training at this great tournament and then from here, I’ll head to the remaining training sessions.
- Dusan, I want to ask about your preparation for this season. You mentioned that you were a bit tired after that 20-minute set. So, what does that say about your preparation? Do you feel refreshed now or not yet?
Dusan: Yes, I am in a much better place than Karen because I still do not have kids. So I was able to enjoy this week. No, I am joking, we still have another month to prepare for the season in Australia, and my third season will start after St. Petersburg. So, I think I’m ready for the next season. As I mentioned, I had two weeks of rest. I feel motivated for the next season, and I’m ready to keep going. I’m 34 years old, I’m not exactly young anymore, but I think I still have a few more years left, so I’m looking forward to the next season.
- Another question for Mikhail Youzhny - in 2004 you earned your first title here at St.Petersburg Open. Which victory would you call the most pleasant - that one 20 years ago or here in this tournament as a captain? And the second question - Alexander Ivanovich Medvedev said that in the case of an unexpected injury sustained by a player, the captain might be asked to perform on court. Are you ready?
Mikhail: Well, first of all, I wish everyone good health. So let’s avoid any injuries. Although, I’d love to go out and play, to be honest.
A. Medvedev: We said that the reason for the substitution can be not only an injury but also the unsatisfactory performance of a particular player.
- Since the players will soon need to warm up before the games, let’s ask the last question. Today, the girls went on a tour of the Lakhta Center, maybe they’ll share their impressions of what they saw, and perhaps Alexander Ivanovich will tell us how much he loves the Lakhta Center, the views it offers, which are really amazing.
Anastasia: Yes, today we went to the Lakhta Center. I was surprised that such a building exists in Russia; I didn’t know about it. I really enjoyed the tour, and I want to thank you for this opportunity.
Viktoriya: Yes, I really enjoyed my time today at the Lakhta Center. Thank you for the opportunity. It was such an interesting building, very modern. The views were stunning, very beautiful. Thank you!
A. Medvedev: The Lakhta Center and its surrounding area are a unique combination. Everyone will have the chance to sign up for a tour and visit this tower. Inside the tower, there will be a Zenit souvenir shop, and a restaurant, so it will be a great place to spend time with a lot of enjoyment and benefits. The views are absolutely stunning, and taking a photo there will be a long-lasting memory.
