As the world’s greatest tennis tournament edges closer to the halfway mark, one of those still in the hat is Viktor Troicki. The World No.24 has already equalled his best performance at the All-England Club, and will hope to go one better when he faces either James Ward or Vasek Pospisil in the fourth round. The Serbian kindly agreed to conduct an interview for The Gryphon in which he discussed a wide range of topics, including childhood idols, his coach Jack Reader, and his fondest playing memories to date.
1. As we head into Wimbledon, what are your best memories as a player and a spectator at the tournament?
Coming here for the first time as a junior, I reached the final of the doubles. So each time I come back it brings back nice memories.
2. What would you say was the best performance of your career to date?
My best win was definitely the Davis Cup Final against France [in 2010, when he beat Michael Llodra in straight sets in the decisive singles rubber].
3. Do you think that you are in the best form of your career?
I am very motivated since I came back. I have been working on many things with Jack [Reader], my coach, and I am satisfied with the way I am playing. We do have more work to do though, and it is a work in progress still.
4. Did winning the title in Sydney in January relieve any pressure on you, given that you last won a title in 2010? Was it extra special because you were a qualifier?
Yes, it was a great feeling to win 8 matches in a row, actually 10, because I won two rounds at the Australian Open after that. You do feel a bit of pressure in each final, but I had prepared really well and had arrived to Australia really early so I went on the court quite confident.
5. You have worked with Jack Reader for two and a half years now. How does he differ from Jan de Witt [Troicki’s previous coach], and has he tried to change parts of your game? What improvements have you seen in your game?
The two have a different way of coaching. While Jan was giving me more orders , Jack has taught me more how to find solutions by myself and think more during the match. I believe it fits more with my age now; I need to be responsible for what I do out there. Jack has been adding a lot to my offensive game and shot choices, making me less predictable.
6. After Wimbledon, you have the Davis Cup. What threats do Argentina pose, and is Juan Martin del Potro a big miss for them? Does the influence of Djokovic have a big effect on the team?
It is always tough to play Davis Cup in South America. We expect difficult conditions and a noisy crowd. But there is not much difference to when we play in Serbia. Serbians can make a lot of noise as well. Having Novak in the team boosts our chances against anybody. The Argentinians are strong, especially [Leonardo] Mayer, but they will definitely miss Delpo. Having Nole [Djokovic] on board we should have a slight advantage.
7. Who has been your biggest inspiration and why?
Andre Agassi. I liked his attitude on the court; he was different to the others. He was definitely my childhood idol
8. What is the most important lesson that you have learnt in tennis?
Never give up.
Interview conducted by Corrado Tschabuschnig, Viktor Troicki’s agent
Questions devised by Alex Bowmer
Featured image: www.themalaysianinsider.com