Nicolas Almagro has made it to the quarterfinals of the Aircel Chennai Open with ridiculous ease — quite literally — as his second round opponent Steve Darcis retired after a shoulder injury on Thursday.
Fielding posers with grace and home-spun wit, the 26-year-old spoke about the importance of this season. “Last year was amazing. 2012 will be a very difficult year because I have many points to defend at the beginning of the season in South America. I am working hard and happy with my tennis now.”
On his participation in the Olympics, the world No. 10 refused to “look too far ahead.” “I am looking to play well in Chennai. I want to play my best tennis during every week I play.”
Almagro, whose strong suit is the clay surface, felt the need to improve his hard-court-game. “One of my goals for 2012 is that I want to play good tennis and change my mentality towards hard-court-play. Maybe I can do better in the Masters events and also finish in the top 10 again.”
Good repartee
The Spaniard's best line for the evening, though, was reserved for a question on his ‘direct' entry into the last eight. “If I play with confidence, may be I can win. If not, I will take the flight to Auckland (where he plays his next tournament) at two o'clock.”
He was also appreciative of Milos Raonic, a likely opponent if both of them get through to the semifinals. “Milos is the most improving youngster on the tour. It could be a great battle between us on Saturday.”
