Saturday 23 January 2010By Ivo Karlovic
I’ve always liked Australia, the people here are fantastic. This is the longest time I’ve been in town for a tournament, making it to round three, and I would like the chance to go out in Melbourne in between matches. But right now my focus is on Sunday’s third round match against Rafael Nadal.
Morning matches aren’t my favourite. I’d prefer to play later – I don’t like waking up too early – so I have to get a good sleep and not go out the night before, that’s for sure. I cannot admit to all my remedies for a good night’s sleep, but if it’s been a long day like today, then I’m already tired. I’ll have no problems sleeping tonight even with tomorrow’s big match before me.
Nadal is a great player. He’s a good athlete and it’s going to be interesting for both of us. I felt good after these first three wins, and in doubles, so it is going to be an interesting match tomorrow. Maybe having the very tall John Isner playing immediately before will be a nice coincidence.
The morning of, I’ll eat a big breakfast of fried eggs, fruit, Cornflakes (not my favourite cereal, but its energy) and peppermint tea. As everyone knows, I’m tall. I am a big guy, two metres eight centimetres, and I weigh 100 kilograms. This means I am always eating. I eat a lot all day for fuel. Even though I sometimes don’t like to and even when I’m not hungry, my goal is to eat all I can.
Having 78 aces as a record is very nice, but I’d prefer to have fewer aces and to win more matches. Although I have played tennis for many years, I feel I look younger than I am. When I was two years old I started to grow – I’ve been growing ‘up’ all my life. Since I was young I’ve grown faster than anyone around me. I’ve always been taller so I’m used to it.
My wife often travels with me when she can. Our homes in Croatia and in Florida are nice to have. I really like Florida, where I practice. We spent Christmas there. It’s always nice to travel and see the world, but it’s been my life for 10 years. Sometimes you just want to be in one place for longer than a few weeks, but we are all used to it. We have no children yet – if I do have kids one day, they won’t stay small very long with my genes!
There are quite a few Croatians here in Melbourne and having their support is great. I have many friends in town and I like to go out with them when I can. My friends always say I am constantly late – that’s one of my faults. I just say it happens and a few minutes here and there aren’t so bad.
I hope you watch Sunday’s match. Now time to eat, relax, and get some rest before it.
Comments [sic]:
"Sincere interviw, look how far one can make with just one stroke, reminds me of Drazen Petrovich and his three points and no real game at all... still fare from serious playing not to compare to Rafa, Roger, Joker ...."
"you are a sens of humour man! we really like you and wish all the best during this match and in your further carrier."
"what a nice interview by karlovic. I really like his attitude towards such an important and tough match."
"Its very pleasant to read about you talking about yourself. I actually like watching your matches, although there are a lot of aces and fewer rallies but oflate I think your rallies are also looking very good. I am sure you have seen how Davydenko and a few others have beaten rafa recently on hardcourts....repetitively and would take advantage of the same. Hopefully you have enough stamina, if the match goes on longer and win or lose, your genial manner is very likeable. Best of luck and hope your best form shows up for tonights match."
