Albert Ramos: “If Alcaraz continues like this, he will be one of the names to be remembered”

Albert Ramos He has lived in La Massana (Principality of Andorra) for four years. The one from Mataró is currently number 40 in the ATP rankings. He is 34 years old and the highest place he occupied at an individual level was number 17 in 2017. Two weeks ago he gave Spain the first point against Serbia in the Davis Cup. He trains at AnyósPark and from there he talks to EFE about the departure of Roger Federer, the appearance of Carlos Alcaraz, his season and the future.

Question (Q): Roger Federer has retired at the age of 41. How does a tennis player like you, who is 34 years old, fit into the Swiss’s withdrawal?

Answer (R): “It was a moment that had to come yes or yes. Roger gave a lot to tennis. All the fans as well as those of us who love tennis made us very happy. Some, like me, I have I’ve seen him for many years. He’s one of the top three tennis players in history, with amazing talent and incredible creativity. As a fan, I’m a little sad that I don’t see him anymore play.”

Question (Q): At least you can say that you played with him…

Answer (A): “I was lucky enough to beat him once in Shanghai 2015. Obviously I didn’t expect that because he was world number 1 at the time. I’ve played him twice, once at Wimbledon and again in Shanghai . , and I lost. It was great to play against him. What impressed me the most was that he made everything look easy”.

Question (Q): Is he your idol?

Answer (R): “I really liked how he played and I followed him, like any tennis fan, but not as an idol because there is not much age difference. I really liked Àlex Corretja or Sergi Bruguera. In fact, my father [Guzmán] I always saw Bruguera play when I was little. Àlex Corretja, who I caught playing tennis with, is my favorite player”.

Question (Q): And now comes Carlos Alcaraz, whom he knows well.

Answer (R): “I know him well and I played with him too. I never beat him [sonríe]. I lost a match, in favor of a ‘match-ball,’ at Roland Garros. Alcaraz is a great player. Very strong and very fast. If he doesn’t get injured, he’ll be a great player for years. Also, the fact that Novak Djokovic didn’t play all the tournaments benefited Alcaraz to reach number one.”

Question (Q): Can it be said that tennis has lost one figure and gained another?

Answer (R): “Let’s see, Alcaraz is great. He is breaking all the records, but the career’s Federer has been very long and successful. Alcaraz has all the numbers to be able to do it, although it is too early to talk about something like that. If he continues like this, he will definitely be one of the names to remember in the years to come.”

Question (Q): Do you think the press needs referent players like this to talk more about tennis?

Answer (R): “It’s always good for players to come out different, making differences because of age or level. Without Federer, it’s true that a lot is missing, although he hasn’t been active for years. And Alcaraz I guess it will help a lot at the level of the press and, especially with the kids, because now I see a lot of young people who pay a lot of attention to him. In the Davis Cup, the other day in Valencia, a lot of kids. pay attention to him and that’s just for a moment” .

Question (Q): Speaking of you… How was your season?

Answer (R): “Good. I can’t complain. Happy and working. Eager to finish a bit because it took a lot of trips.”

Question (Q): Is this your best season?

Answer (R): “No. One of the best, yes. Top four in recent years. This year is the 12th I’ve finished in the top 100 and the seventh I’m in the top 50. I can’t complain , the way things are.”

Question (Q): Does it take up a lot of ground that Rafa Nadal is talked about more than other tennis players?

Answer (R): “No. I’m used to it. All my life I’ve been playing with Rafa Nadal on the circuit. It doesn’t affect me. There’s always someone better than you.”

Question (Q): You are the father of two girls. A two year old and a six month old. How do you combine so many trips?

Answer (A): “It’s hard on a mental level. There’s a four-week tour that I can’t see and it’s hard. I know it’s not forever and I’m trying to make the most of the time that’s left. .”

Question (Q): Is there still a long way for withdrawal?

Answer (R): “Depends on the result and the injuries. Now I’m happy and playing well. I want to continue.”

Question (T): But do you think about it?

Answer (R): “I don’t think so, but I know this. In life you have to be prepared. Things will end and one day it will. Like today Roger Federer has ended…” .

Question (T): From Mataró to the Principality four years ago. Why did you decide to come here?

Answer (A): [Sonríe y ironiza]. “The mountains are very beautiful and it’s very hot in Mataró. To be honest, it was a complicated step. For example, this AnyósPark track was not there when I arrived four years ago… I made a big bet coming here. I arrived mainly because of the economic conditions, but I also had friends who talked to me a lot about this country. I’m happy to have made this decision, even though in the first year I had a lot of doubts because of the lack of facilities. to make an effort in terms of thought”.

Question (Q): This country is not so much about tennis…

Answer (R): “No. Let’s see if we can gradually change this dynamic. With the economic conditions that exist here there are many more athletes coming from other sports.”

Question (Q): Isn’t there a tennis court yet?

Answer (R): “I think so. I will not complain because I am very happy. What makes a sport famous is the competitions or championships that are played. I hope with Vicky Jiménez and those coming from abroad there will be more of love of tennis”.

Question (Q): What do you think of Vicky Jiménez?

Answer (R): “He has a very good career ahead of him and I really like the way he plays. I guess he will make history.”

Question (Q): At only 17 years old, is it good to talk about him?

Answer (R): “She is number 153 in the world… In a country like Andorra she is the first tennis player there. There is much more to be said about her.”

Question (Q): I also said because of age… How is it handled?

Answer (R): “It all comes down to one’s personality. He has a very strong personality and it doesn’t affect him much. His father, who is also a former tennis player, is the coach and the environment is always important. Finding someone who knows what’s good and bad. Also for the punches that are always there”.

Question (T): When you started, did you have a lot of birds in your head?

Answer (R): “Fortunately, no.”

Question (Q): Who was in charge of your career in the beginning?

Answer (R): “The truth is that my current coach is the one I had when I was little, José María Díaz. Then I spent a few years in the dynamics of the Spanish federation and when this phase ended I returned to him. Since I was 19 years old, he has been my coach. He is not family, but he is like him.”

Question (Q): Is it so important, in a sport as individual as this, to surround yourself with the best possible people?

Answer (R): “Yes. The whole team is very important and you have to choose carefully. Sometimes it’s not easy.”

Question (Q): And how does your husband manage his career as a professional tennis player?

Response (R): “You would have to ask her. She is alone with the girls, but she fits in well and is happy. She has her job here.”

Question (Q): When you were called to play Davis Cup with the Spanish team, how did you feel?

Answer (R): “Playing Davis Cup is a completely different competition and it has its pros and cons. For example, training for a week with your teammates feels like real matches and is quite you’re stressed because you have to prove to the captain that you can be selected. I’m a little nervous in the matches, but my level of play is high. I’m happy when they call me and also what I did afterwards. It’s a different and very special competition. I really enjoyed Valencia, even though I had a bit of a difficult time.”

Question (Q): It is also an honor to be among the best tennis players in Spain…

Answer (R): “Yes. And Sergi Bruguera is also the captain. As a coach he gives me a lot of confidence and security. I don’t lose a single game to him thanks to the way he approaches the game.”

Question (Q): Has tennis evolved compared to when it started?

Answer (R): “I think tennis has evolved in terms of many things. We are trying to do better and better, but in a few years it will be better than it is now. It is one of the most -followed sports in the world and in the end they only earn 100 players. If you compare it to other sports there is no comparison. They are trying to make sure that more and more tennis players can earn from it”.

Question (Q): When you started, did you expect to make money from tennis?

Answer (R): “You don’t think about it when you’re little. Without realizing it, you play and the others come.”

Question (Q): They say when you’re a father, your children grow up so fast… Is the life of a professional athlete also so fast?

Answer (R): “Many things have been lost along the way. Last weekend, in the last 12, was my first free. You have to mature first, but it was my decision and I’m happy to have chosen it”.