Agut eyes consistency in 2017

Agut, who lost to Aljaz Bedene in the semi-final of the Chennai Open last year, had a good performance in the Chennai Open in 2013 when he reached his first ATP final defeating Tomas Berdych in the process, before going down to Janko Tipsarevic in the summit clash. The World No. 14, whose best performance in Grand Slams, has been a fourthround appearance in Australian Open and Roland Garros, said one of his goals for the upcoming season would be to play in quarter-finals of Slams. “I would like to play quarter-finals in Grand Slams. That is one of my goals for 2017. I know it is difficult but I also know if I play well and continue improving, I will have the consistency to get there,” he said. 

Agut said he has chosen Chennai as the destination to open the season because the climate is similar to Australia. “Here the conditions are tough. There is a lot of humidity that prepares us well for the Australian Open. That is one of the reasons why I come here,” he said. With around 14 or 15 players in the top-100, Agut said Spain’s dominance in tennis has been unparalleled. 

“We are the best country in tennis. Tennis in Spain has a great culture.  We have the game patronised in schools and we top it up with good academies. We have lot of age group tournaments that make us competitive from a young age. It is a combined product of so many efforts that make us do well,” the 28-year-old added. Agut elaborated on the importance of good returns to stay competitive amidst a gruelling schedule. 

“There are many good and tall players and if you want to win matches, players like me, have to be complete players. We need to serve well to return well and be a complete player to come out on top,” he added. The Spaniard signed off by commenting that there can never be another Rafael Nadal in the making as it is impossible for any player to get close to what the Spaniard has achieved. “He has had an amazing career,” he signed off.