An interview with Fernando, in July 07, enjoy 
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Exhibition in the streets of Santiago during the Teleton to help the disabled persons
[Interview in the magazine HISPANIC, feb. 08]
Tennis champ Fernando González has blasted his way through the rankings to become South America’s top pro.
By SOLEDAD GIMENEZ
The professional tennis circuit is buzzing with anticipation over the sport’s upcoming tournaments and its hottest competitors. And the spotlight is shining bright on Chilean native Fernando González.
The winner of eight Association of Tennis Professional (ATP) titles, González is now ranked No. 7 in the world and is the second-highest Latino, just under Rafael Nadal. The highest position González has attained on the ATP Race was fifth place in 2007, after he got to the Australian Open finals with trainer Larry Stefanki, but lost to the world’s No.1 player, Roger Federer.
Feña, as he is known, has been able to get to the quarter-finals of the four existing Grand Slams. González’s biggest goal was to classify for the Tennis Master’s Cup 2007 held in Shanghai, and he achieved it. With that accomplished, he brought this past season to a spectacular end, broke a two-year streak of bad luck in which he hadn’t obtained a single title, and won the Peking Open after defeating Spaniard Tommy Robredo.
There is definitely some strategic planning in the works for this season. Hispanic caught up with González days before the Sony Ericsson Open and got a glimpse of his year ahead.
Hispanic Magazine: What is the outcome of 2007?
Fernando González: The truth is that 2007 was full of ups and downs, but I can say that, all in all, it had a positive outcome. The fact that I was able to get to the Grand Slam finals, and that I classified at the Master in Shanghai is no small feat.
HM: Did you ever imagine that you would be the only Latin American at the Masters Series in Shanghai?
FG: No. Not at all, since there are more and more Latinos competing each year. Plus, David Nalbandian was very close to getting there, too. In any case, the important thing was to have been there, though I would’ve loved to have more Latinos present. It’s very good for the region.
HM: How did it feel to defeat Roger Federer, on the first match of the Masters?
FG: Having won a very tight match … after so many defeats made me evolve as a player. Everybody wants to defeat No. 1, and achieving that gives a boost to your confidence.
HM: To end 2007 as one of the best players in the world was one of your main goals, and you achieved it. What was the key to that?
FG: The key was to become a better player every day, and of course experience had an important role in it.
HM: If you had to highlight three moments of the past season, what would they be?
FG: Finals in Australia, Finals in Rome and defeating Federer.
HM: In 2008 you will have to defend many points. What type of pressure does this put on you?
FG: You always go up and down on the ranking. I just hope I will always have to defend points!
HM: They say that the most complicated thing is not to get there, but to stay there. But it seems you were able to achieve both. To what do you attribute these achievements?
FG: Working hard every day is very important in being able to stay on top, and improving your tennis skills, because someone will always want to take your place.
HM: How much has the influence of Larry Stefanki and Carlos Burgos affected this professional growth?
FG: A lot. With Larry I’ve been able to improve many things in a short period of time, and I’m still improving. On the other hand, with Carlos Burgos I was able to get into a physical shape I had never been in before.
HM: The Sony Ericsson Open is a tournament that brings satisfaction to many. What does this event mean to your agenda?
FG: This is the most important tournament, after the Grand Slams, especially for us Latinos since we feel at home.
HM: What goals have you set for this starting season?
FG: Hopefully to be able to participate in the Master tournament again, and what I want more than anything else is to win a Grand Slam.
HM: With all the traveling you do, do you have time to relax?
FG: I make time whenever I can.
HM: Do you get to visit places other than the tennis courts when you travel?
FG: The truth is I do, but not really as a tourist! I try to take something from every city I visit. I can’t conceive of the idea of going around the world without getting to know it. There are magnificent places that are worth seeing.
HM: Before the pre-season, it’s key to find a place to relax. Where do you vacation?
FG: I almost always choose places where there are the least amount of people possible. The circuit demands a lot of energy and those places give me a lot of peace and revitalize me.
HM: What are the positives and the negatives of the demands brought by the professional circuit?
FG: The positive thing is that you never stop playing, and that, in a way, allows me to always be a child, doing what I do best. And in that way, I feel like I’m not working. I enjoy what I do very much. The bad thing is to have to travel so much. That forces me to be far away from my loved ones, and likewise, I can’t devote as much time to them as I would like to.
HM: Once retired, do you think you’ll stay in the world of tennis somehow?
FG: I will, 100 percent, since it’s what I like to do most.
Here’s a summary of the Australian Open. Fernando lost in the third round against Cilic. According to those who watched the match, Cilic played a great match, Fernando was bothered by his shoulder. With that result, Fernando dropped to the rank number 24. Now, he has to come back to have a good draw in the TMS.
1R : González vs Economidis (GRE), 6-4, 7-6(2), 6-1
Some problems with the Greeks fans 
( , it’s the first time i see that in tennis
& a very short interview with Fernando )
2R : González vs H. Lee (COR), 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4
Video from a fan, who really likes Fernando, big support )
The match point vs Lee )
3R : González vs Cilic (CRO), 2-6, 7-6 (4), 3-6, 1-6
[From the Australian Open website]
However, it proved to be a shortlived revival as Cilic came back to win the next two sets and book a fourth round clash with James Blake.
Cilic, at 19 the youngest player left in the men’s draw, said after his win: “Today I’ve played the best match of my life.”
[Post match interview - Australian Open website]
Q. Did you have any physical problems out there? It looked like you were serving very sporadic, 150 and 200, then back to 150.
FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: It was tough to play. I got here like 15 days ago, and after three, four days it started to bother my shoulder because the ball was too heavy, and today I was really tired.
In last two days I was with stomach upset, so I couldn’t take it anymore. It was really hard to me. I mean, serve, especially hard the way that he was returning.
I was really disappointed when you’re in the court and he’s serving 200 kilometers and then you serve 160. It’s a big difference.
Q. Did you ever think about not playing?
FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: No, no. No, no, I was ‑‑ I mean, I wasn’t my 100 percent, but I was able to play. I was fighting a lot. I think I did a really good match in the first three sets.
Q. Can you remember that you were so defensive in any match lately?
FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Yeah, because it was ‑‑ I wasn’t feeling good on the court. I was serving and the ball was coming to the line really hard and I have to put the ball back in play. And when he was serving he was serving really good, so he wasn’t easy to play.
Q. Did it surprise you at all the way he played? Do you think he just could sustain this level almost the whole match?
FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Yeah, I mean, it was a long match, you know. When the match is long, I think I was the favorite. And when I won the second set I think that I can get the control of the match.
And after I have an early break. The first game I missed like two or three forehands and he took the control again. And then I broke him back, and then he broke me like three times in a row.
Q. He said that he thought that perhaps because he played indoors it might have helped him a lot on his serve. Do you think that made part of the difference as well?
FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Yeah, it’s part of the game. You cannot do anything about the weather, so ‑‑ but anyway, he played a really good match. I wasn’t feeling like I want, but I was able to fight.
[Interview, La Tercera, just before the Australian Open]
[Translation by the webmaster]
González: “This year, I go for the Olympic medal”
Fernando González talked about everything : his new status on tour, the desire he has to face Roger Federer in Australia and his passion for the club he loves : Colo Colo
“I don’t know if my companions are looking at me differently, but I’m always the same”, says “Feña” while signing shirts.
As a person, he didn’t change. As a player, he improved positively, because it has been one year and he played a final and playing a final makes you improve. It’s a beautiful memory, even if now the story is different and I can’t still thinking about that.
Do you feel that you have won, at least, the respect of your pairs ?
I have always been the same on tour. The ranking doesn’t have any influence and if they respect me, it’s because we have to think to be a better person and above all a good professional.
What are the things you wish to change in the aim to be in the top 5 ?
At this level, the difference is reduced. I need several matches or a good tournament.
A este nivel, la diferencia es muy reducida. Necesito algunos partidos o un buen torneo. This help you to climb the steps. I have a lot of expectations for this year.
And in the game ? Why here, according to your coach, there’s a lack of agressivity ?
Sure.. with Larry, we talked together, and we think that we have to attack more the ball, especially here in Australia, where the balls is very slow. This, makes me doubt a little bit. Here, you have the best players in the world. It’s a high level tournament. You can have strong opponents in the first round.
Any superstition to repeat a final ?
I’m not really superstitious even if I know that some feel good with that. I believe more in the rituals
From Viña a Beijing
But Australia is not the only them which is in González’s mind. I have other goals for 2008, some immediately and others for the Olympic Games this year.
How will you deal with the ATP Viña, considering that it was not good last year ?
Viña is a very important tournament forme. Unfortunately, in 2007, I didn’t arrive with the best preparation. I won there twice and I’d like to win a third time
What are your expectations for Beijing 2008 ?
I have great memories from Athens, and for what we did with Nicolas (Massu), even if this year, I go for the medal in the singles. This is one of my biggest dream and I think it will be my last opportunity to have it.
[Translation by the webmaster]
Fernando González reached a grand slam final last year in Melbourne. This time, he decided to not play the tournaments before the Australian Open to stay two weeks before in the state of Victoria to focuse and to prepare for the first great challenge of 2008.
González arrived on the 3rd of january in Melbourne with his coach, Larry Stefanki and his physical trainer, Carlos Burgos. When they arrived, they had a huge surprise : they changed the courts of Melbourne Park. “Now, they are blue and they are slower than last year, the balls are bigger and it suits me well for my game.”
ATP – What do you feel, coming back to Australia, a place where you played the best tournament of your life ?
FG - It’s a place very special, because it was the first tournament where I really played well and the only one where I could arrive in the final. I keep great memories here in Melbourne.
ATP – You did a great start of the year in 2007 and this tournament helped you a lot to qualify for the Masters Cup in Shanghai
FG – I remember the level of tennis I played and I felt well during the second week of the Australian Open. I’m looking forward to playing here and to reaching the Masters this year again.
ATP – Melbourne is special for the chileans. Marcelo Rios reached the final as well in 1998 ?
FG – In fact, we cannot say if it’s special, but the most important is that I’m feeling very well here. Moreover, it’s one of the city in the world where I have much support of the chileans. They are impressive with all the support they give me. Always, there are some in most of the places I place, but here, there are a lot .
ATP – What are your objectives for the season 2008 ?
FG – The same as usual : playing and feeling well
ATP – No goal in the ranking ?
FG - It’s that if I play well, and I feel well on the court, automatically, the ranking will follow.
ATP – Do you feel that you arrived at the top of your game last year in the Australian Open ? You have never thought : “This is the best I could do ?”
FG – Well, until now, the semi final against Tommy Haas has been the best match of my life. I only made three unforced errors in the whole match and 42 winners. It was an almost perfect match.
ATP – A difference from last year, this time, you arrived knowing what it is to beat Federer. Was it an enchantment to be able to defeat him in 10 matches ? Do you think that it can help for your confidence than before ?
Obviously, it was weight I removed to win against Roger Federer in the Shanghai Masters Cup. Without a doubt, it gives me much confidence to know that i can win against him.
[The results]
González v Nalbandian – Nalbandian didn’t play due to a back injury
González vs Klein (Aus) – 7-6(3), 6-4
González vs Baghdatis (Chy) – 2-6, 5-7
González vs Safin (Rus) – 3-6, 3-6
[Two videos from youtube : Bagdathis.net]
[Press conference - 9th Jan.]
Q. Fernando, a good start. How do you think you went?
A. Was good match. I mean, I haven’t played since two months, I think, and it’s always nice to come back and win. I mean, it was little bit tough because the balls are heavier than last year. It was a little bit windy, but anyway, a good win for me.
Q. How far way away do you think you are from the form you had at this time last year?
A. Still away but, I mean, a good way. But, you know, always the beginning of the year is really tough, and this one I have a really good rest after the season and really hard work, and I get here with a lot of expectation to have really good motivation to look forward for Australian Open.
Q. Last year, you were surprised to go so far? This year, do you think more people will be waiting for you?
A. After Australian Open from last year everyone was waiting for me, expecting what I’m going to do every week. And the other player wants to beat you. That’s like a new status after you have a really good tournament. But I’m ready. I mean, I know that the year is long, but I have a really good memory from last year in this tournament.
Q. You play Marcos Baghdatis – you have beaten him before – in the next game?
A. Yes.
Q. How do you approach that game?
A. He’s a good player, Marcos. He did Final too, like two years ago, and I know him really well. I think we play only once. We had really tough match in the time, but it’s going to be interesting, and let’s see what happen.
Q. It’s almost like the battle to see who is the best Australian Open finalist in the last two years?
A. Maybe. I mean, he is a good player and winning a really good match today against Davydenko, so it’s going to be really tough for me. Thank you.
[Press conference - 11th Jan.]
Q. You didn’t look very happy out there, Fernando. How did you feel you played today?
A. I not playing my best at the moment. But this kind of match help a lot to get, to try to get better and better, because I haven’t played official matches since maybe two months. But I think today was a tough condition, but in a way it’s good because in the Australian Open you can, any day can be hot, windy. You never know what it’s going to be.
Q. Is there any part of your game that you think you need to work on?
A. No. The shots are okay, but sometimes I’m not going to the net so I have to worry a bit more in that particular point.
Q. What will you be working on with Larry over the next couple of days, what’s the plan?
A. We’ve been working a lot. I mean, now there’s not much you can do because there’s only two days left to, to the Australian Open. But I think I can play better than, than I did today, but I have to be focussed and try, try my best always.
Q. Marcos said earlier this week that he felt really nervous when he came back to Melbourne last year, in making the final. How are your thoughts? Are you nervous about
returning after such success?
A. Not yet. I mean, I have – I’m very excited. It’s the first Grand Slam of the year. But I don’t have to think too much about last year. Last year was last year, and now you have to live the present and try to do the best you can. But anyway, it’s good memory for me and I know that I can play really good tournament here.
Q. You have shown in the past you can turn your form around, very quickly. Are you confident of that?
A. I mean, the Slams are long tournaments, it’s two weeks, you play five sets, so sometimes with one match you can play much better than one day to another.
Q. Your thoughts on the courts?
A. The court, it’s okay. I mean, it’s slow. The ball, I don’t really like it. I mean, it’s too heavy and too hard.
I don’t care if it’s heavy but if it’s too hard, when you don’t hit in the right spot on the racquet you feel it
everywhere in your arm. That’s the worst part.
Q. So do you think the new courts might make it harder for you to have such a good run as you did last year?
A. No. I mean, the new court is better because it’s slow court. The problem is the ball, I mean, because if you don’t hit in the right spot you can be hurt. I think most of the player can have some pain on the arm and the elbow because the ball is too hard.
Q. So will that in any way affect that deadly forehand of yours?
A. Excuse me?
Q. Will that affect that deadly forehand that you have?
A. Affect – no, I just go for it. Today was tough conditions because you have to move a lot and the wind was like around it, so it wasn’t easy today.
Q. Was the wind bothering your serve?
A. A little bit, but most on the ground stroke because always the ball is moving and it was tough.
Q. Your impression on how Marcos is hitting the ball?
A. Oh, he was serving really good and he was – he is in good form. I mean he, everyone know that he’s a good player but he – I mean, he is moving well, he’s hitting the ball really good and serving good too.
Q. His serve seemed exceptional today; does his serve seem like it has improved?
A. Don’t really remember because the only one that we play was like three years ago; but I know, I know that he serve really good and today was one of the days.
Q. Fernando, you play Marat tomorrow. The last four times you have played Marat you beat him so you must have a, you know, a secret to know how to beat him?
A. Yeah. He is a really good player, Marat. We play many times. I mean, fortunately, the last four times I won, but it’s going to be a tough match. I mean, I practise with him in the past days and he, he is playing really good.
Q. You have had a look through your Australian Open draw. What do you make of a likely second round match with the Australian Chris Guccione?
A. I don’t know who I’m playing with.
Q. Sorry?
A. Larry has just told me I play against qualifier.
Q. In the first round?
A. Yes. I know nothing else.
[From the Australian Open Website - Jan. 9th]
Safin and González practriced together
A practice match on Rod Laver Arena between Marat Safin and Fernando Gonzalez was subdued this morning, as Safin attempted to get his serve back on track before the start of Australian Open 2008 next week.
A practice match on Rod Laver Arena between Marat Safin and Fernando Gonzalez was subdued this morning, as Safin attempted to get his serve back on track before the start of Australian Open 2008 next week.
Gonzalez placed runner up in last year’s Australian Open and is yet to win a Grand Slam, Safin placed third last year, but won the Australian Open in 2005.
During his stay in London, Fernando gave an interview to the Bristish Mag, “GQ”. If you live in UK and you have the article, feel free to send it to me, cause I couldn’t find it in the British bookshop in Paris, thanks a lot, I’d be very grateful
Enjoy !!!
[Summary of the interview in spanish - from ATP Website]
[Translation by the webmaster]
González and the keys of grass in the GQ Magazine
The Chilean top 10 player, Fernando González, gave an interview for the english edition of the prestigious and sophisticated magazine GQ.
The monthly publication, dedicated to the mens audience, focuses its interest on the style, fashion, culture through different articles about travelling, sports, sex, food, cinema, music and technology, among other headings.
In a special section about the summer tennis season in England, which reached the top last sunday in wimbledon, González explained how to develop the best game on grass. Here is an extract of his answers :
“To play on grass is difficult in the mental thing. You must thing that you’ll do well. There are a lot who think the opposite and it’s the worse thing that’s possible to be done. You must quickly deal with the surface with respect but adapt very fast.”
“The center of gravity is much lower than usual, but the ball will rebound less than on the other surfaces. You always have to be focused”.
“The most important with the serve is to execute it with the best dose of slice, so, we can handle the rival, which is vital on grass. The other players search a flat and fast stroke, but thus, the margin of errors increases”.
“The grass will make your volley improves. As it’s a so fast surface, if you arrive very well at the net, forwards and having generated a good shot of approach, you only must touch the ball across.”"When some players face Roger Federer, they lose before entering on the court. As Roger is so strong on grass, until the rivals who have the appropriated game to disturb him, they don’t have the confidence in themselves. The key to defeat him is to attack him at the beginning and never playing defensively. To attack, attack, and to hope the best !!!!”
Interview with Fernando, for the Artois Tennis Podcast
First, he talked about his two fantastic weeks in Melbourne this year… Fernando said that it was a great tournament, he didn’t play well in the first two matches, but then, he played better and better and it was a good experience.
Second, about playing consistent shots…Feña said that he changed a couple of things but basically, his game is still the same. He made a lot of adjustements with his backhand, he tried to not serve too hard.
Third, about his new coach, Larry Stefanki… The journalist said that he used to coach Rios, Kafelnikov and Tim Hemnan. How did he get to meet Larry for the first time ? Fernando said that when he splitted up with Horacio de la Peña, it was tough to find another coach, because most of the guys were already with a player. About Larry, he didn’t need to travel, or to work. So, Fernando called him and told him that he was very interested to work with him. He was interested too so it was very important. So, they talked many times on the phone.
Fourth, about playing on grass, Fernando had good results the years before on this surface, a quarter final in Wimbledon… Fernando said that first, when you are a South-American, you can be blocked to play on grass, two years ago, he tried to stay at the Queens, he had a good preparation, and very good results. After those results, he knew that he could do well on this surface. He enjoys grass, he has good slices, he enjoys going to the net, he can play different styles than the other South Americans guys. He had a wonderful time in London, the last two years, he stayed for 3-4 weeks, met a few friends, and he tried to do something different.
Fifth, Fernando is always smiling (webmaster : it’s true). The journalist said that he seemed to like the life on tour. Fernando said that something there are things he doesn’t like, like travelling each week, living in different hotels, to be away from his family and friends, but it’s the “bad” part. The positive thing is that his work is his passion.
