http://bit.ly/1bdFWkI
Bastad, Sweden
by ATP Staff | 14.07.2013
How does it feel to be standing here with the trophy while becoming the first
Argentine to win the title here since Mariano Zabaleta in 2004?
I'm really excited with my achievement this week. I've been working hard to
fulfill this dream and today I made it.
You lost only one set en route to the final, how did you put it all together?
I've been working for a long time to improve day-by-day and this week I had
good results. I could show it in several games this week. You have to be
patient to get a title. I think the key was the mind-set I had from the first
to the last match. Mental toughness was the key.
With so many players 30-over doing well this year (14 players 30-over
reaching finals, nine winners), what does that say about older players?
Each player has his own process. Some things can be done and others not. But
without a doubt, experience helps a lot to win an ATP World Tour title. After
so many years of competition and playing at this level, you just need the
right time to make it. It was my in case and for [Nicolas] Mahut, for
example. I think perseverance helps. I went through hard times, but I kept
working hard and finally I did it. You have to never give up. It was my dream
week.
It was your second ATP World Tour final. Did you have a different approach
going into this final and were you nervous?
There was not much difference with the first final [2012 VTR Open in Vina del
Mar]. The other one was a great match and my rival that day, "Pico" [Juan]
Monaco, played better. Then I also fought hard. Today I had my chance and I
took it.
You’ve finished in the Top 50 for the past two years. Do you have a ranking
goal for this year?
I don't have any specific goal in mind. Now I have to enjoy this great week
and continue working on my tennis. Whatever comes will be fine.