Video of press conference with tennis player from Portugal - Rui Machado - winner of Pekao Szczecin Open 2011. Taped by Marta.
Some questions may be a little different in original due to poor sound =)
How could you comment on the match?
It was a strange match, split in two days. Yesterday I felt confident and I had the monumentum, today I had to build my confidence from scratch, my opponent (Eric Prodon) was in good shape, but of course I am very happy and glad.
What is the method to keep focus in such case?
Of course "experience" is the keyword here. I was very nervous before this final, I almost didn't sleep and I had to find concentration in the end.
Have you ever played a split match like this?
No. I only saw in the Davis Cup when one of my friends needed just one point to win the match and had to leave the court, so I have seen examples of this before.
In the semifinal Albert Montanes didn't shake hands with you. What happened?
Indeed I was surprised with his reaction after the match, with the fact he denied a handshake, but when the emotion went down he behaved very friendly towards me, and I am not resentful, so I keep cool about this.
What happened in the first set against Prodon?
Well, Eric is a very good tennis player. I didn't feel too comfortable yesterday because the court was too wet, but I fought and tried, but like I said, it was not easy because my opponent was good.
Today in the first game you were broken.
Of course I expected something like this could have happened. Yesterday I had a major advantage but today it was like a new game being played, but I needed to motivate myself, believe in myself, and this is why I managed to win.
Have you noticed the kindergarten children entering the stands and did you lose focus because of that?
Of course I noticed and I heard sounds, but because these children were so little I knew they would be not quiet, so I tried to get over it, but of course it was not too comfortable.
Eric has a Polish girlfriend, your brother has a Polish wife, do you also have a Polish girlfriend?
(without translation) No *laughs* I am single now, I mainly concentrate on my career. Of course when I meet a woman who would be perfect for me I want to have a relationship, but I don't think my parents would be too happy with two Polish daughters-in-law.
How did you know what I was asking without a translation?
Because of your face, smiles and name of Eric.
Does your brother's wife teach you Polish?
My brother with his wife live far so I haven't had chances for receiving solid lessons, but when we meet in the family circle we rather watch her learning Portuguese.
How did your brother meet his wife?
He worked in Poland and Romania, so this is how it happened. They were a couple for 2 years and then they got married. Her name is Agnieszka.
Have you been to a Polish traditional wedding?
No I didn't have a chance, the wedding was in Portugal, but of course I know the stories about Polish weddings when you must drink a lot of vodka. I have been here for Christmas so I know how it is celebrated.
You are not the youngest player anymore, do you believe you can fight for top 50?
I would love to be in top 50, I am aware this is a very hard task, but I have already accomplished my main goal, I am in top 100 of best players in the world, but I believe in myself so I hope it will happen one day.
*unclear*
Do you already know what you will spend your prize money on?
You don't know how much I must spend on travels to tournaments, that I also pay my team, but when I retire I want to build a house from my savings.
In Poland or Portugal?
First house in Portugal.
Lisbon or the coast?
Right now I live in Lisbon but in future I'd like to come back to the places where I was born, at the seaside, where it is calm.
You became the highest rank Portuguese player, do you think you can reach the fame of your football players?
No, it's impossible to compete with the football players. I would be happy if people followed my achievements and if one day people recognize me on the street because of my tennis, I would be really glad.
Today you earned in 15 minutes more than Cristiano Ronaldo.
Video of press conference with tennis player from Portugal - Rui Machado - winner of Pekao Szczecin Open 2011. Taped by Marta.