ANTONIO GONZALEZ
[originally done in Spanish]
[version original]
1. How and when did you first start coaching Nico?
I started working with Nico when he was 10 years old. He was at the selection trials and in the end, he was chosen out of lots of other children to train at the Murcian Federation.
2. How would you summarise Nico's 2004 season?
2004 has been a good year overall, but there were some flat weeks where we weren't able to get any ATP points, which would have elevated Nico further in the rankings. Obviously, his improvement in ranking is noticeable and few players have been able to achieve it. But if he wants to be a significant figure on the tour, it will have to continue like this.
3. What are your goals for 2005?
In 2005 we don't have any definite goals ranking-wise, he should strive for everything. He needs to do well in the bigger tournaments, which have more ATP points and money.
4. Many people believe Nico has a lot of potential to be a Top 10 player. What do you think about this?
Yes, I think he could be Top 10....he has the tennis for it. His attitude and his mental maturity are what need to change if he wants to get the best out of his tennis. He has a good enough game.
5. It will be your first trip down to Australia in January. How do you think Nico will go?
Australia is an unknown quantity for us. The most important thing would be for him to be able to assimilate into the professional circuit, which would help him mature and understand that everything is about work, and very hard work at that.
6. Do you get to see much of the places you travel to or do you tend to just stay at the tennis club?
Well, I love to look around the places we travel to for tournaments, as it allows me to escape and do a bit of sightseeing in the area, talk to the people etc.