“I hope to play against Sinner again”

Three years ago, Andreas Seppi and his wife Michela Bernardi bought a house in Boulder, Colorado. The United States is the couple's adopted home, where they want to build a life together with their daughter Liv (who was born in February). The Seppis are also in the USA these days. The tennis star tested positive for Corona at the beginning of November (we reported ), but has recovered well and is now training again. For S+ the 36-year-old took time for a detailed interview.

Andreas Seppi, is your daughter Liv keeping you busy at the moment?

Sepp: “Sleeping in is not an option at the moment (laughs). But I have to say that the little one is very well behaved and sleeps well through the night.”

So you can recover well from the exertions of last season?

"Yes of course. The season after the Corona break wasn't exactly great for me. I started the year at the Australian Open and the final in New York ( ATP 250, note Red. ) started well. Then came Corona. I was very lucky that little Liv was born in February and I was able to spend five or six months with her and my wife.”

“I have to admit that I didn’t really prepare well.” Andreas Seppi about the tennis season after the Corona break After the Corona break, things got in the way, and for the first time in 16 years you won't finish the year in the top 100. What was it about?

“Because of Corona, you never really knew when the season would start again. A lot of things were uncertain, so sometimes I trained and sometimes I didn't. I have to admit that in the end I didn't really prepare well, it's my own fault. I wasn't that motivated to train. This was also reflected in the results. Last month I tried again to do more, but I couldn't really get into it. On the other hand, I also have to say that in the end I was only one or two wins short of the top 100.”

Seppi during his performance in New York, where he made it to the final. © GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Steven Ryan

After the early exit from the tournament in Nur-Sultan, you abruptly declared the season over with a great deal of frustration. Did you also have thoughts of resigning during this time?

"No I did not. I have to say that the desire to play tennis is still great. That's why I'll still be playing next year. However, I now look from year to year. How long I continue depends on two factors: I have to be 100 percent physically and mentally fit. And the ranking is also crucial: If I fall further behind and only have to play Challenger, that would be difficult. I now want to prepare properly and attack again in 2021 – with the aim of getting back up the rankings.”

“I can imagine diving into the hotel business.” Seppi about his future plans At 36 years old, you are one of the veterans in the tennis circus. Are you already thinking about what will happen after your professional career?

“Of course you think about it. I don't think I'll work as a coach in the future - you're on the move all year round. I would rather stay close to my family. But it's also difficult to get away from tennis completely. Let's see what happens."

Family happiness since February: Seppi and his wife Michela with their daughter Liv. © Andreas Seppi / Social Media

But you want to put down roots in the USA with your family?

“Yes, that is our goal. We would like to build something here with the little one. My wife and I also have the idea of running a range or a lodge here – in other words, diving into the hotel business a bit. Michela's parents have been working in this area for generations, and we would both like that. But as I said, that’s all still a long way away.”

“He can stay in the top 10 for several years – at least.” Seppi about youngster Jannik Sinner Back to sport: Jannik Sinner has sparked a real tennis hype in South Tyrol. Do you sometimes lack appreciation for what you have achieved over the years?

"No not at all. These are two completely different pairs of shoes. Jannik is an incredible talent. He can be compared to Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal at a young age. He is an absolute exception.”

How far do you think he can go?

“In terms of game, talent and mentality, Jannik is ahead of many and, in my opinion, can stay in the top 10 for several years – at least. Winning a Grand Slam tournament or becoming number 1 always depends on details. I hope he stays safe from injuries – then he has a great career ahead of him.”

Last question: Andreas Seppi versus Jannik Sinner – who will win?

“It would definitely have been tough for me in the last few months (laughs). It's always difficult to predict something like that, at this moment Jannik is definitely a class above me. I hope I get the chance to play against him again. That would certainly be an exciting duel – no matter how it ends.”

Questions: Thomas Debelyak

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“I hope to play against Sinner again”

The tennis scene in South Tyrol and around the world is crazy about shooting star Jannik Sinner, whose career path is becoming increasingly steep. Andreas Seppi's performance has been somewhat lost in the last few weeks and months - but there was also a lot going on with Kalterer.

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