Alexander Peya and his partner Nikola Mektic reached the quarter-finals of the ATP Masters 1000 in Madrid. On Thursday, they beat number three seeded Henri Kontinen and John Peers in two sets.
Peya, who celebrated his 350th double victory at ATP level this week, then told tennisnet in an interview how he found his double partner. He also reveals what he thinks of single players in double grids and what his expectations are for the Davis Cup play-off against Australia.
tennisnet: Against Continen/Peers you celebrated your sixth victory in the sixth match today. Why do they suit you so well?
Alexander Peya: For being an incredible top team and what they have won so far is my record against them. Four of the first five duels went to the Champions Tiebreak, so there’s always luck. But even before a match you realize that you feel good when you play against them. You’re not afraid when you know they’re actually right for you. You’re gonna be a little upset yourself.
tennisnet: What is the general recipe for your current run for success?
Peya: A few points are decisive in every match in doubles, and if the bit of luck is not on his side, then it goes quickly – in both directions. That’s the beauty – and ugliness – of doubles. It has a lot to do with self-confidence.
tennisnet: They have gained their self-confidence over the past few weeks.
Peya: We play well together and have achieved solid results. We’re confident of every team, because we’ve already beaten the world’s top 3 this season, so we’re not afraid. It was important for us to get into the draw of Madrid at all, because that was very tight.
tennisnet: Is it annoying from the point of view of professional doubles players when single players sign up for a double?
Peya: Of course it’s a little annoying. With some you get the impression that they only play the double to have a match before the singles. But even you have to tremble to get in, because it is so important to be able to play in these tournaments.
tennisnet: Important to work your way up the world rankings.
Peya: We have already collected many points – especially with regard to the Masters (ATP Finals in London, note). If you get off to a good start, you look at it, of course, that’s always the goal of every double. If you can’t play at the events where you get the really big points, then you don’t stand a chance.
tennisnet: So you’re going to spend the rest of the season with Mektic?
Peya: Yes, there is absolutely no reason to change anything. Until the tournament in Miami, we made a commitment. But then we didn’t even talk about going on, it was clear anyway.
tennisnet: How did you find your double partner?
Peya: My ranking was not so good at the end of last year, I was just over 50, you’re not that interesting. Of course, the results of the last few years speak for me a little bit, so it was a little “easier” to find a better partner. He (Mektic, note) was standing at that time around 30th The ranking plays a role to get in at the whole tournaments. This allowed us to play 500s like in Rio (final defeat against Verdasco/Marrero, note). I also thought it would fit from the play area. When you’ve been with so many players as long as I have, you realize what you need.
tennisnet: What did you particularly like about it?
Peya: He’s just insanely solid – in everything. He brings many returns, and that’s something like what I had with the Bruno (Soares, note). I need players like that. It is important to me that I can play to my strengths at the front of the net. I need a relatively solid overall player, I don’t need a cannon racquet, for example, because I’m one of those guys who brings everything.
tennisnet: You play with a compression stocking on your right arm. What about your fitness?
Peya: I wear this because of my arthrosis in my elbow. I have to make sure that my muscles remain relaxed and not hardened too much, otherwise I feel slight pain. It is designed to stimulate blood circulation and is simply pleasant to play with. I generally don’t like tapes so much and prefer to play with a stocking or a hot ointment. Apart from that – knock on wood – I am healthy and ready for the next tasks.
tennisnet: So there were never any plans to end your career?
Peya: Because I still enjoy it insanely and because I have to feed my family (laughs). I’ve been struggling with physical problems over the last two years, of course there are doubts. But I took the time to get my body going again. I just have to work harder now to keep the aches and pains in check.
tennisnet: With Peers you have beaten a possible opponent in the World Group Playoff of the Davis Cup. In 2005, you were in your last duel against Australia so far, what do you say about the draw?
Peya: It’s a very interesting lot. Especially when the top players of both countries play there are two characters, two absolute top stars to see. This could be a tennis festival. Of course I hope everyone will be there, also on Australia’s bench with Lleyton Hewitt. I can imagine him standing up for the double.
tennisnet: Will you be ready for the playoff?
Peya: Of course! Last time I cancelled because I was in America eight weeks in a row before and had to play the week after the Davis Cup to get my ranking up. Meanwhile, at my age, I have to look at my body a little.