Chennai’s favourite son, Carlos Moya wants to give something back to India’s only ATP tournament that has been very special to him over the years.

By Bhagya L Ayyavoo

It’s always tough to say good bye. But, the Spanish king who ruled Chennai since his debut in 1999 managed to say, “They (Chennai fans) made me feel at home since the first time I was here. They have given me so much support. And I will never forget them. I also know that this could be my last season of match year.” In a post-match press conference Moya added, “I am happy to be here again. I played pretty well in few parts of the match but losing today wasn’t in my plans.”

Moya who put Chennai Open in the world map was overwhelmed with emotion when his moment came after his loss to fourth-seeded Janko Tipsarevic in the opening round of the Aircel Chennai Open on Monday. As a wild card entrant, the two-time champion and the only player in the 14-year history of the tournament to win back-to-back titles (2004-2005) admitted his chances were low after he drew the Serbian No.2 Tipsarevic, “The draw was tough for me. He’s the fourth seed and the way he plays is incredible. I had a top opponent and he played better than me. But, it’s great to be back on the court. A few months ago, I was close to getting a surgery, but we decided not to do it. I practised hard and it healed. Now, I am playing again after 10 months. It may be my last time here in the singles. I think I played well. But, I know I can play better than this”

Moya who enters his 17th year in pro tennis added the sport means everything to him, “Hopefully this is not my last year. I can play very well and hopefully comeback stronger. It wasn’t hard to motivate myself after the lay-off. I always loved tennis. There’s nothing that makes me more happy than getting back on court. It has been hard in terms of recovery and mentally. I had tough moments in the last ten months. But, I feel like a tennis player and think like a tennis player. I will remain one, at least in my mind.”

Moya wishes to give his heartthrobs in Chennai a parting gift by staying alive in the doubles category. The 33-year-old veteran is keen to play alongside India’s rising star 17-year-old Yuki Bhambri, the youngest player at this edition’s Chennai Open. “I haven’t been a doubles specialist, who knows I will become that. But, it’s special for me to playing a guy who is 17 years old. I am like his father, or may be like an elder brother, very older (laughs). Hopefully we can team up well. I’ve heard he is very good
He for sure will make a good player in the future. After beating the best in juniors, he’s going to adapt well. I am looking forward to playing with him”
 
Moya, who was instrumental in bringing many top Spanish players including Rafael Nadal, David Ferrer and Fernando Verdasco to India’s only ATP event hopes he can do more, “I like to give back to the tournament that has been very special to me. I have had great moments here. You can ask anything that I can try to give back.”

Will Chennai see the return of its favourite son?