‘It’s a motivation to come back’

Russia’s Mikhail Youzhny was not feeling well, but the 31-year-old, ranked World No. 15 and a former champion of the Chennai Open, spoke at ease about a variety of issues at a press conference on Tuesday.

On Chennai: I have a great memory winning in 2008, defeating (Rafael) Nadal in the final. It was like yesterday. It’s a motivation to come back.

Special diet for the 2014 Aircel Chennai Open : Try to be careful in my food intake. Fell ill last month when I was in Thailand.

Toughest opponent: It will Israel’s Dudi Sela (whom he will play in the second round of the Chennai Open).

On his first ATP title (Stuttgart 2002): It was a long time ago. A win is a win. It’s a nice memory.

On not many players play one-handed backhand now: I don’t think so. In the beginning everyone played one-handed and then two-handed, now it is 50-50.

On being a ball boy in the 1995 Davis Cup: I was 13 years old. A great moment. I was happy rushing to the net. It was an opportunity to watch great players like Sampras and Andrei Chesnekov.

On being part of Davis Cup teams: We had few Davis Cup wins in 2002 and 2006 but in 2007 we lost in the final to USA.

Now we are in first league (Europe/Africa Group I). We need to come back to World Group and have great results.

On childhood hero Stefan Edberg becoming Federer’s coach: It’s great to see (former) players start coaching. Good luck to his team. Got to see how it helps Roger.