Through Esther, we managed to arrange for Zara who runs Ernests Gulbis' blog to meet up with Asia no. 2 Rendy Lu Yen-Hsun on Friday evening for a pre-Australian Open interview.
Thank you girls for the transcript and practice photos!
1) Your current ranking at #61 is your personal best so far, so what's next? What is your goal for year 2009?
I don’t set a specific ranking for me to reach. Of course I want to be ranked higher – Top 50, Top 35 – but my goal is to play all the big tournaments like the ATP 1000’s (he actually said ‘Super 9’) and Grand Slams. That means I need to be in the Top 50.
Before this, I’ve only ever played 3-4 ATP 1000’s per year, but this year I hope I can compete in all of them.
I don’t know what ranking number I want to reach but I hope I can play all the big tournaments.
2) How will your performance in Heineken Open,NZL and Hopman Cup influence your game in AO? How much did those matches with Safin, Simon and Almagro give you confidence for AO?
It was a very good experience and preparation for the Australian Open. I really enjoyed myself there. There were a lot of spectators and good facilities, also the fact that the Hopman Cup is a different kind of tournament from an ATP event. You just have to play well and hope that you could win some points. I feel happy that I’ve been there.
3) Do you feel like you could have done anything better against the top players?
Of course, after the match I always think about where you conceded something and where you should have changed anything. I had chances to win a set, or even a match. I always try to find reasons to improve.
4) Your best results in Grand Slams is the 2nd round. Do you think you can break that barrier and go further than that?
I’m going to focus on winning the first match. For me, there’s no pressure but I am motivated and I intend to win the first match, and not only that but also the matches beyond it.
5) Do you think Asian players, such as Kei Nishikori, Somdev Devvarman (who was knocked out in qualifying round), Hsieh Su-wei, Sun Tiantian, and Zheng Jie, can grab some attention from the AO this year?
Right now we have several players still in the qualifying – I hope they can win the last match tomorrow.
It’s good for us that many Asian players are starting to play in Grand Slams. If one of us can reach the third or fourth round – then we all can do the same thing, you know.
We are competitors, so when we look at the other person – if I can do well, that means they also can do well. It’s a good example for other Asian players.
6) Are you looking forward to team up with Yang Tsung-hua in the coming Davis Cup in Taipei? Do you have a chance to meet up with your Davis Cup teammates to discuss strategies to take on Kazakhstan?
Of course, it’s really close after the Australian Open but we have already started preparations since last year. It’s really special for me, but I try not to think too much about it now and just try to focus (on the Australian Open.) When the time comes then I will worry about it (laughs).
7) How does it feel to be an uncle? Will you encourage him to play professional tennis one day?
At the beginning, it was strange (laughs). Very strange. But now it is interesting, because when I go home there is something different. Before this when I go home I just lie down and watch the TV, but now when I go home there is something to think about – what is my nephew doing, things like that. I want to see him and play with him – it’s something new.
I don’t know if I want the baby to play tennis when he grows up – not right now (laughs).
Photos and interview by Zahirah Fairuz Zahari, Melbourne Park.
The Australian Open tournament (Jan 19 - Feb 1) coincidentally falls on Chinese New Year (Jan 26). That means by the time the men's and women's finals are played, we are already in the year of Ox.
I'm not trying to be a Feng Shui master here but from the research that I've done, I believe the following predictions could shed some light on who will be the AO winners in the next 2 weeks.
Will it be bookies' favourite Andy Murray? Or are we not listening to Roger Federer who believes the top AO favourites should be Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic or the Mighty Fed himself?
Will Jelena Jankovic finally get her first Grand Slam? Or Dinara Safina's going to continue her family tradition by following her brother's footsteps? Or one half of the Williams sisters will prevail again in the Grand Slam?
Let's take a look at the possible winners' luck this year.
Men's Singles
Tiger
Rafael Nadal - June 3, 1986
This is the year for keeping a low profile, tiger. Because of the slow pace of the Ox year, it will be a frustrating time for you. You like things to be move quicker, you will need to show restraint.
AO Prediction: Currently Rafa is doing the right thing which is keeping a low profile and remain humble despite his achievement. Too bad because it seems like the hardcourt Grand Slam title is still out of reach. Perhaps this year's slower pace will suit his slow-paced clay court better.
Rooster
Roger Federer - August 8, 1981
Great opportunities for rooster this year. A good time to recoup losses. You will make great progress at work, reaping rewards of your labor. Emotional ties bring joy. Your prestige and reputation increase.
AO Prediction: Roger could be right about Murray! He could be winning his precious 14th Grand Slam right here in the AO to level with Pete's record! Watch out for a slammin' year by this guy!
Rabbit
Novak Djokovic - May 22, 1987
Andy Murray - May 15, 1987
The year of the Ox is well suited to the rabbit nature. The slower pace of this year will see you spending more time with friends and family. A good year to upgrade your home, or for buying or selling a house.
AO Prediction: Once ushering into the year of Ox, defending champion Nole and everyone's favourite Murray could have a slower pace and less stiff competitions like the previous year. Try again next year. In the meanwhile, Nole and Murray can spend more time with their brothers and motivate them to up their game instead.
Ox
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga - April 17, 1985
This is not a year to be outrageous. A slow but steady year. This Ox year will bring stability and growth where patience and diligence pays off.
AO Prediction: Could have a chance here. But sometimes it takes more than hard work to win. You need to have that extra edge and luck to win at such high profile tournament. Perhaps he should take it slow with the backache or take a break to rejuvenate and come back to compete again at later part of the year.
Dog
Andy Roddick - August 30, 1982
A year for dogs to keep a low profile. Put more attention into matters at home, spending quality time with loved ones. The simple pleasures will bring happiness this year.
AO Prediction: Not much achievement in the year of Ox. Can forget about winning here. But hey there's a good news; wedding bells are on the way :D !
So, the year of Ox is on Roger's side!
Well, I won't be spending time mentioning every single player. AO is always full of surprises so anyone besides these guys has a chance to lift the prestigious Grand Slam title too. If you want to check how's your favourite players fair this year based on Chinese zodiac predictions, you can google and find out.
And here are the men's singles draw. Who do you think will meet in the final?
I'll come back with the part 2 of this post and we'll take a look at the favourite women players' luck in the year of Ox.
Updates: Click here for the women's singles predictions.
*'Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi', also spelt 'Ozzie Ozzie Ozzie, Oy Oy Oy', is a cheer or chant often performed at Australian sport events.
(Original prediction via earthyfamily.com)
The speculation is finally over.
Jankovic will be showcasing the JJ range of ANTA sportswear at the Australian Open at Melbourne Park, which starts tomorrow. 
