By Jos� Antonio Mart�nez
translated by Elisa
After winning the Davis Cup he�s reached the rank of national hero. Biturbo hasn�t stop training to reach his best game. Just before the beginning of the season we interviewed him, a very hard test for someone who�s not really into interviews�
From standard-bearer in the Palau Sant Jordi in 2000 (when Spain won his first Davis Cup) to important player this time. Definitely, having a rest is not something that goes with you.
4 years ago it was a dream to be near players like Corretja or Costa. That day in 2000, I can say that I began a dream: to be able to play against them. And it was done.
A dream that in fact, ended up in victory. Is this triumph the best moment of your career?
It was a strange feeling. When we were playing the final it was like if we were in the edge of a wave, seeing everything on the limit. After winning you feel relieved but at the same time you�re very excited. But that winning is not going to change me.
What were your first thoughts when the captains told you that you�d play singles? Did you see that coming?
No way! I thought they had gone mad and I even asked them if they were sure. The truth is that, if I had thought about what would�ve happened if I lost the match in that moment, I would have freaked out.
Where does the nickname Biturbo come from? Are you keen on Maserati?
It�s because of Jordi (Arrese). Since my debut on the competition, he put me that nickname because I�m very nervous, I�m always in a hurry, I sometimes lose my mind and I never stop during the matches. It�s something I�ve got to change because I�ve had some problems because of it, such as cramps.
So, when you get your driving license we�re going to have to watch out. Because now you�re 18, the car is close�
I�m not really passionate for speed. I know others are dying to be 18 and buy a car. It�s not my case. I do like F1, and mainly since Fernando Alonso is there, but always from the barricade.
What about a challenge against the Asturian, both of you at the steering wheel?
It�d be very cool... but for now it�s improbable. I�m sure he�d run away at the beginning and I�d never see him again. I conform to follow him on all the races for now, no matter what time they are. I've had so many sleepovers to be able to watch him!
A question that you�ve probably never been asked. Coming from a sports family, have you ever dreamt of following your uncle Miguel �ngel�s steps, when he was a FC Barcelona player?
Like every kid, when I was a child I used to play soccer, and I wasn�t that bad. I don�t know if I thought at any moment, of playing with Real Madrid, which is my team, but that was quick. I�ve always been sure that I wanted to be a tennis player.
By the way, how does a Real Madrid supporter bear a year in which the Barcelona is the 1st in the League?
A bit resigned, but "until the tail or end, everything is bull". We didn�t start very well, but we�re improving and Barcelona is suffering more every time to win matches. I trust on the reaction.
A family with Real Madrid and Barcelona supportes. Are there any problems at home?
My uncle and I get on very well and we avoid talking about soccer. Maybe I have to put up with more things this year, but he has to have some satisfaction too. He�s been suffering some years now. (laughs)
Sports are full of legends, superstitions and whims. Do you have any to confess?
I don�t have any in special. I just have a shower right before the matches, to see if I�m able to calm down a bit (laughs). And then, when I�m about to serve, I always pick three balls and I choose the less furry, because it goes faster.
Would you change success in tennis for something?
The truth is that I wouldn�t. They�re a lot of weeks working and sacrifice to reach something like that� Well, I think I�d change it for being a Play Station champion, because at the hotels we put a lot of time and effort on it.
What everyone else is interested in� Tell us, how are your celebrations?
Like in every other place with young people: music and fun.
With 18 years, success and good-looking, you probably don�t have a lack of girls who want to be with you. Have you won a lot of matches in that court?
In those parties there are also girls �and they�re very hot-. But I want to make clear that I�m not interested in girlfriends.
So are you afraid of commitment?
This is just not the time for a girlfriend. I want to succeed in tennis and be among the best ones.
Between the great legends in tennis world, who would you had liked to face on a court?
Pete Sampras has always been my idol, since I was a kid. He used to have a superiority look in the court and he always knew what to do. He was a very complete player. Moy� was also someone I looked up to. I used to see him like a crack. Luckily, I�ve been able to play against him. We train together very often and we�re good friends.
What did you ask for Christmas?
I conform to keep on doing better and being able to get on the highest places in the ATP ranking. And if I can choose, I don�t forget a victory at a Grand Slam, because after the Davis Cup, I�m used to those adrenaline rises.
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