CHENNAI: It was during the 2004 Chennai Open that a young Tommy Robredo and even younger Rafael Nadal won the trophy and accompanying shawl. Relative unknowns at the time, both were angling to make their mark in singles, but a doubles title was a welcome bonus.
The Spaniards overcame top seeds Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram of Israel in a three-set final, to the delight of the crowd, who had no inkling that Nadal would go on to become an all-time great.
Robredo, on the other hand, was not seen in the city again. While he hasn’t enjoyed a Nadal-level of success — very few have — he is set to end his 13-year no-show streak in January. Unsurprisingly, he remembers the 2004 edition vividly.
The right-hander had also reached the singles semifinals that year, falling to eventual finalist Paradorn Srichaphan of Thailand in another three-setter.
“I also made the singles semifinals, my first at ATP level, in my maiden appearance in 2001. After that was 2004, where I won my first doubles trophy and lost in the semis again. They’re great memories to have and one of the reasons I’m back in the city is because it all began here for me,” he said.
Now all of 34, Robredo, despite having slipped to World No 358, needs to ensure he can stay within striking distance of all those ahead of him, at least in terms of fitness — a word that the current superstars have turned into a barometer of excellence. The fire hasn’t dimmed because tennis is not just his profession, but passion as well.
“I never realised I was going to be a professional. But one fine day during a press conference, it struck me that I had made it. Fitness is so important, but since I’m not young anymore, I don’t practice six-seven hours a day. That being said, I still work out as hard as possible, both on and off the court.”
Even though three Davis Cup titles will always be the icing on any Spaniard’s cake, Robredo, who possesses an elegant single-handed backhand, lists the 2006 Hamburg Masters as his biggest individual success. He took over from two-time defending champion Roger Federer, who was absent and, incidentally, happens to be his favourite player.
“Roger is the most talented player and an idol off the court too. It’s great for the sport to have someone like him and Rafa. But someone like Roger stands out because all his shots have perfect technique.”
Having been on the Tour for 19 years, he has seen many great players represent his nation, but of late, nine of the 10 players ranked within the top 100 are over 28 years of age. Only No 30 Pablo Carreno Busta is 25. Does he see a new batch on the horizon?
“We Spaniards are not young anymore. But then, there is Pablo, who is very good. However, we’re not going anywhere. We continue to work hard and, hopefully, will be here for a long time... myself included.”
rohan@newindianexpress.com