[ Return to 2001 Interviews ]

Magnus Norman: I think it depends on my physical condition I'm very strong. I've been practicing very hard for many years and I've also got a good topspin forehand, which helps on clay.

You beat Kuerten on clay last year, do you think we will see that showdown one more time at Roland Garros?

Magnus Norman: We both have potential to go very far at the French Open. Hopefully, we'll meet in the final. I'd like to have revenge on him.

Have to talked to Pete Sampras? What is going through his head right now and do you think he can shake his recent slump?

Magnus Norman: We haven't spoken about his tennis or my tennis. We speak about other things. I think he maybe doesn't have a chance to win the French Open, but he'll do well there. Then with the grass court season starting at Wimbledon he's a threat there.

Magnus, are you coming back to Asia this year?

Magnus Norman: I'm coming back -- hopefully to play three events this year instead of one event.

I understand you are a big Peter Forsberg fan, how do you feel about him missing the Stanley Cup finals?

Magnus Norman: It's bad. You play almost 80 matches in the regular season and then you have to sit out in the playoffs. It must be devastating. Also it's bad for the Colorado Avalanche because I don't think they're going to win the Stanley Cup without him.

Do you still own that race horse? What was his name?

Magnus Norman: I don't own that one anymore -- Days Gone By. But I'm going to buy another one on Friday with a couple of ice hockey friends.

Who is going to win the NHL championship this year?

Magnus Norman: It's probably going to be the New Jersey Devils.

Magnus, what do you think of Andy Roddick? Is he as good as everyone is saying?

Magnus Norman: He's got a lot prove yet. He has a lot of potential. I hit with him at the French Open last year as a practice partner and saw that he had a lot of potential. I knew he was going to have a lot of success on the tour, but maybe not so fast.

What do you do when you aren't playing tennis? Any hobbies?

Magnus Norman: I like to just do nothing. Just hang around with my friends and talk. I'm a sports freak, so I like to go to different events. I like to go to NBA games and hockey games. I enjoy playing in the States because there are so many sports you can watch.

What is your favorite food?

Magnus Norman: Italian food

What do you think your chances are at the French Open this year? Who is the player to beat this year?

Magnus Norman: It's another situation for me this year than last year. Last year I won Rome, but this year I'm struggling on the clay a bit. I think I have a chance to do well if I get my game going. I think Juan Carlos Ferrero and Gustavo Kuerten are my two favorites for this year.

What do you think is the single most important reason for your success?

Magnus Norman: I think it's many years of hard work and dedication. I stuck through some hard times in my career and was determined. I'm now one of the best players on the tour and I'm going to try and be the best player in the world.

Have you ever played in a doubles match? If so, who was your partner?

Magnus Norman: Most recently I played with Tim Henman. I use to play with Swedish guys like Thomas Enqvist and Thomas Johannson, but I dont' have a regular partner. I'm trying to play more doubles this year.

Are you still training at Saddle Brook?

Magnus Norman: Yeah, I am still. When I have a week off in the States I like to go there because I think they have the best facility. I can relax there, so that's why I like to go there when I'm in the States.

Ever since you broke up with Hingis your game has not been the same. Would you consider giving her a call?

Magnus Norman: I don't think that's the reason why I'm not playing so good. I think that it's other factors. I lost my confidence a little bit. I had two very good years and suddenly I'm not playing so good. But I think everybody goes through a slump, so it's just a matter of time before I'm back on the track again.

What kind of music do you listen to? Got any favorite musicians?

Magnus Norman: I like everything especially like U2. I saw them in Miami in March. I really liked that concert. U2 is one of my favorite groups.

With all the power, where do you see tennis ending up in 10 years?

Magnus Norman: If you look 10 years ago, people were standing behind the baseline and playing very softly. In 10 years, I think people might start playing more serve and volley. I don't think it will be more power. But it's very difficult to predict.

What is your favorite city? Don't worry, you don't have to say Montreal!

Magnus Norman: I've never been to Montreal -- I'm going there to play this year. My favorite city is Stockholm. My friends are there and I know the clubs. But I've heard good things about Montreal and I'm looking forward to going there.

Who would you pick for the Women champion for French. I am sticking with Martina Hingis.

Magnus Norman: It's a difficult question. They have a lot of contenders this year. Martina is one, but Venus Williams is looking very strong this year. It's difficult to pick when four or five women could win it.

Do you think that Ivan Lendle was a cry baby?

Magnus Norman: No, I don't think so. He was one of the best players to ever play the game. No one really talks about him when they talk about the big champions. He won a lot of Grand Slams, but not Wimbledon. He was one of the best players to win the game.

Are you still friends with Martina Hingis or you don't talk anymore?

Magnus Norman: Yeah, we're still friends.

I loved your match against Kuerten at last years French Open! What do you think you need to do to get back to that "head space"?

Magnus Norman: Keep on working like I have in the last couple of weeks. Probably need to win a couple of more matches to get my confidence back. Right now, I'm struggling a little bit with my confidence.

What do you think of Howard Stern?

Magnus Norman: I used to watch his programs every night. He's a pretty funny guy. I don't know if he's a serious program, but it's good entertainment before I go to bed.

What do you predict for yourself the rest of the year?

Magnus Norman: I hope I'm going to get a lot of results because I'm doing very well. My goal is to end up in the top 10 by the end of the year.

I'm so happy you'll be playing here! What are the best clubs in Stockholm?

Magnus Norman: Called the Spy Bar, Cafe Oprah and a good restaurant called Esty.

This is not a question but I just wanted to say that I think that you are an excellent tennis player and you have a lot more potential. Also, you and Martina made an excellent couple but oh well.

Magnus Norman: Thank you for the compliments.

What do you think of Mariano Puerta? Have you ever played against him?

Magnus Norman: I've played against him a couple of times. He's a tough player. He's coming off a wrist injury so he hasn't played recently, but he's a good player.

Who 's the funniest player on tour?

Magnus Norman: It's difficult to say because everyone's kind of nice to be around. Magnus Larson, Swedish player, is always nice to be around. He come's up with jokes and is always in a good mood.

Who do you think is going to win the NBA title?

Magnus Norman: LA Lakers

You seem very introspective...what are your favorite books?

Magnus Norman: I read a lot of Swedish books. Thrillers by Swedish writers. But I'm not like a freak -- I just read when I have the time.

What is an average day of training for you. How many hours a day and a week do you train?

Magnus Norman: I practice like five hours a day when I'm not playing a match. I practice like 30-35 hours a week. But of course when I'm playing matches I'm not practicing that much because I have to save my energy for the match.

What was your best moment in tennis? Any surprises?

Magnus Norman: Probably when I won my first ATP tour in Bastaad in 1997. That was a great moment for me. I also beat Pete Sampras on my 21st birthday in Paris in '97. That was a big moment.

Magnus Norman: Good bye. I hope all my fans are watching this week. I think I'm going to play a little bit better the next couple of weeks.