American tennis player Alex Bogomolov Jr. gives us an exclusive interview after he beat Mikhail Kukushkin in R2 of Kremlin Cup. At first he wanted to do it in Russian but he had mercy on me and switched to English.
How does it feel to play doubles now with a guy you beat in singles?
For me it feels great, for him not so much, but it's a game, he's not paying my rent, I'm not paying his. We talked in the locker room, we just have to go back on court and give our best. It's a fight on court, but once we shake hands, it's over, emotions go down.
You're Russian playing for USA, he's Russian playing for Kazakhstan - quite funny.
Yes, we have a lot of in common, we're friends, also because of that. I know all the Kazakhstani guys, they are all great. I don't mind them doing that, because Kazakhstan federation bought the Russians to popularize the sport and make their native people interested in tennis. In fact, I feel great about it. Whatever is done in countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, anywhere else, it makes me happy because I'm a tennis player who loves this game and want it to be popular worldwide.
What do you think of current stagnation in American tennis. Like, times of Sampras and Agassi are gone?
Times of Sampras and Agassi are never going to come back. One country won't have two dominating players. Of course now there's Serbia with Djokovic and Troicki and Tipsarevic following his footsteps, but it's not the same. As for USA, you watched US Open and saw how well Donald Young was playing, then they have Ryan Harrison; Mardy Fish is 29 y.o. and plays the best tennis of his life. Ryan Sweeting is a bit lower. So basically lack of good players will never be their problem.
And you? Suddenly you play the best season of your career, with the highest rank #37. What happened?
I became a father. Seriously. I matured. It totally taught me different approach at things; changed my perception. And I hired a new coach. I've always worked hard, but he taught me to work hard in a correct way. His name is Yoav Schab, he is Israeli; worked formerly with Dudi Sela. He is the youngest coach to have a player in top 50; at the age of 25 y.o.
You receive a lot of support here.
My father lives here. He was a professional player. I departed for America at the age of 9 but still have friends here or my father's friends, they all come to cheer and congratulate.
What do you have to play to beat Victor Troicki?
I have to play my game, then I have a chance.
How do you define your game?
Tenacious. My game is tenacious.
Last week you lost in Shanghai Masters to Feliciano Lopez. He made there a semifinal. And now you play here with the big guys for big points, and he plays in Orleans challenger.
No way. Really? I can't believe this. I mean, surely he was paid a lot, but this is morally wrong, he should not do it. These money and points are for guys who are not on his level yet.
NathiiREAD MORE ON TENNIS ALTERNATIVEGlasgow: Women's 25k and Men's Futures 2011. Wednesday Report
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Alex Bogomolov Jr. interview - Moscow 2011
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Glasgow: Women's 25k and Men's Futures 2011 Thursday Round-up
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