"Keep the number 1 is not an end"
"A year ago it was unimaginable to think what would happen next"


In 2009, people asked you why during 6 months you could not beat a top 5. Now you are the King again.
I was not worried about that fact because I knew when I felt good I would become competitive again. It was normal that I did not win if I was not playing well. I knew that the level was there, it was just a matter of continue working. I began very well this year, but the lack of confidence and anxiety made me not do well in those tournaments.

And how did everything come back to normal?
Working and keeping calm. Clay arrived and that helped me win tournaments. That is why I say it was so important to win in Monte Carlo and Roland Garros, because they were the key of what happened later in Wimbledon or the US Open. They gave me calm and confidence.

And what does it mean for you to have the Gran Slam?
US Open was a very special victory because I did not think it would happen. I had been in the semifinals the last two years but without playing well. This time I was capable of giving my best and the year has been really fantastic. Some months ago that seemed impossible, but I am very aware that not so good times will come too, like last year.

What importance do you give to the Masters?
Its an important tournament, but I always arrive very at the limit at this time of they year and its the most difficult one for me, for the conditions and the rivals. Here the ball sometimes appears like dead and I like it when it is very alive, that permits me play with the bounces and affects. But here that's impossible. Or you give a good shot or there is nothing you can do. Its better for people who play more flat and very aggressive. Here, or I am good or it can happen like last year that I lose the 3 matches.

How do you value your group?
In 2009 I crashed vs Soderling and Davydenko who were playing at a great level and I lost vs Djokovic. This year I play against the last one I mention, Berdych who plays flat and Roddick who the truth is that lets you play a little more from the baseline if he is not dominating with his serve. It will depend how I play. In this court you can play, but with these balls it is harder for me to make the rival move from his space. I have it very difficult but lets see if it happens like in the Us Open, and this is my year here.

And how do you feel after not competing since the middle of October?
On one hand I am rested, but on another, it is clear that I have lack of rhythm and in the 1st match you have to face a Top player like Roddick. In a Gran Slams, the first rounds you find your rhythm and shape, but in a Masters the rivals are a top 8 since day 1. That and the surface makes it more complicated for me than a Gran Slam. But I prefer to stop than to have to do it after the Masters. After London I only have 5 days rest and then continue to prepare the next season.

Is it more important November or January?
The first two weeks of January are very important for me. The Australian Open is basic for me and I am preparing 2011 already.

Is it hard to compete in the Masters when the next season is so near, Australia is so soon?
The Masters should be played 3 weeks before it is. I have been working for next season already because its almost here . If I had not stopped after the Asian Tour, I would have had to do it after the Masters. And what I want is to work now for Australia.

You have mentioned the calendar. Will they be changes?

We are discussing that with the ATP who talks about reducing weeks in competition. But I think it is more important the subject of the mandatory tournaments for the players that are better situated in the ranking. I would reduce them and after the US Open I would close the campaign during 2 or 3 weeks, including the Masters. The calendar can even be longer but with a different format. That there are more tournaments for the other players but that it does not affect the ATP classification.

What is your aim?
Don't talk to me about the number 1, that is not my objective not even when I did not have it. And I don't want to mention certain tournaments because my aim is to continue winning. Compete with conditions to aspire any tournament. And that is only possible with work and hope, like always. Last  year I was not playing well but everyday I woke up with the same will to work and to continue improving and to change the situation. Its the same in the bad and good times.

How are you physically?
Thankfully the knees are perfect. And I also feel good regarding the shoulder is also good. I had overcharged my shoulder because I was serving very hard in the second part of the season but that's resolved.

Your pick for the Masters?
I only focus on Monday, on Roddick.

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