Jurij Rodionov won his first title at Challenger level in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on Saturday. In an interview with tennisnet, Rodionov outlines his path to the title, which was already nearing its end in qualifying.
In addition, the youngest Austrian Challenger winner since Thomas Muster talks about his experiences in Kazakhstan, his goal for the end of the season and why he is not really keeping his fingers crossed for any team at the World Cup.
tennisnet: Challenger title holder Yuri Rodionov – how does that sound to you?
Jurij Rodionov: It’s hard to explain, but I haven’t quite realized it yet, because I’m still fully under tension and in tournament mode. This will only happen when I’m on a plane home, or when I finally see my mother again at the airport after a long time. But in any case I am relieved and happy that the week went so well.
tennisnet: Join us briefly through the tournament. You had to do three rounds of qualifying, you were already on the brink of extinction.
Rodionov: That’s right. It’s just unbelievable, it could have been over in qualifying, but now I’m lying here with the trophy in my bed and I’m happy about my Challenger victory. I also fought off four match points in the qualifying finals in Shymkent before reaching the quarter-finals last week. In the first round there were two again. But with my mental strength and will to win, I could turn the matches around by playing my best tennis.
tennisnet: In the first round they won their match after trailing sets. Did this give them the confidence they needed for the next matches?
Rodionov: It was just a really cool feeling. But I don’t think I lacked self-confidence. I know how well I can play and that I can keep up with the greats. I also know how to use my strengths properly. My concern was rather that the reserves of strength would become tight. It is extremely hot here (well over 30 degrees during the day, note) and I played for two weeks.
tennisnet: Last week in Shymkent you failed because of Yannick Hanfmann. How did you get your revenge in Friday’s semi-final?
Rodionov: I won the game at the beginning because I knew exactly how Yannick would play. I sat down with my coach Richard Waite the evening before and philosphired for a good hour and a half about what my tactics should look like.
tennisnet: What was discussed in detail?
Rodionov: It was about the choice of serves, or about the placement of my shots during the rallies. That worked well throughout the match and was tactically brilliantly played by me. I also have to thank my trainer, who gave me a very good strategic plan, which I implemented from A to Z. This gave me an enormous advantage right from the start, and I took advantage of it.
tennisnet: You speak Russian fluently. Did your language skills make you feel more comfortable in Kazakhstan?
Rodionov: Sure, it’s easier for you if you can communicate with the people in the respective country. It is not necessarily widespread here that everyone speaks English. In taxis or supermarkets, it’s convenient. But if I couldn’t speak Russian, I wouldn’t break a leg.
tennisnet: Did they play in front of a tennis-loving audience in Kazakhstan?
Rodionov: In the quarter-finals I played the local hero Aleksandr Nedovyesov, and from that round on I always played on the Center Court. There was definitely a good mood. In general I had the feeling that the tournament was well organised and well organised. The popularity of the fans was quite remarkable.
tennisnet: Does your premiere success on the Challenger Tour affect your tournament planning?
Rodionov: I take the next two weeks off. Originally another Challenger tournament was planned, but due to the success of the last two weeks and the many matches I need this break. After that, I haven’t decided on the tournament schedule, but I’ll probably stay on the Challenger level. But it would also be conceivable to compete in one qualification or another for an ATP event. My big goal is the tournament in Kitzbühel (Generali Open from July 28, note), and I want to prepare myself as best I can.
tennisnet: Will you be following a goal in the next few months? Are you considering a specific ranking?
Rodionov: A detailed objective is a little difficult for me. I am now at 290th place, so it is realistic to make up 90 places in the next six months and then move into the Top 200 at the end of the year. I think I’m gonna make it. At the same time, I try not to put too much pressure on myself and look more at the development in my game and less at the ranking.
tennisnet: You are a fan of FC Arsenal. Do you also follow the World Cup? Do you have a tip for the world championship title?
Rodionov: I have to say that I don’t have a big favourite, I’m more of a neutral spectator. Mostly I keep my fingers crossed for the Austrians of the Netherlands. Unfortunately, however, both did not qualify.
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