15th seed

Late decision to add Geneva to the tournament schedule.

Going against the strategy of not playing tournaments in the week before a Grand Slam.

Felt more important to have matches under the belt.

Have played and won first up.

Am asked, what is the biggest problem facing tennis today and think the answer may surprise.

15th seed

15th seed

The life of a professional athlete can be challenging.

A first match loss means few ATP ranking points, little prize money and not matches under the belt in the lead up to a Grand Slam event.

There are players who excel on certain surfaces. Clay in particular. Rankings are not particularly relevant when meeting an opponent on that preferred surface. This was the case.

There is the need to be flexible. As a result of the loss, the tournament schedule is altered. Now off to Geneva which had not been in the plans. There is a need to play more matches.

The 15th seed

15th seed

In Rome feeling poorly.

Rest prescribed and am off the court in the lead up.

With a bye first round should be ready to go when my first match is scheduled.

With the prospect of medication need to be aware of the (appropriate & necessary) WADA rules. Touch on drug testing & the need to advise of your whereabouts during the year.

Until the first round, thank you ball persons, thank you Hawkeye.

the 15th seed