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Johansson eager for better luck in Beijing
Beijing, 3 September 2005 - Thomas Johansson is hoping it will be a case of third time lucky when he returns to Beijing to play in this month’s China Open.
The likeable Swede has appeared twice before in China’s capital, playing indoors, and each time lost in the semi-finals – first to Martin Damm of the Czech Republic in 1996 and then to American Jim Courier the following year.
“I remember the loss to Courier pretty well, even though it was a few years ago,” he says. “Beijing was a great city and I really enjoyed being there, so I’m looking forward to returning. I’ve got a bit of time off before the tournament, so I’m going to prepare well and really focus on the task ahead. I like playing in Asia.”
Johansson, 30, has claimed eight ATP titles in an outstanding career that was highlighted by his triumph at the 2002 Australian Open. It should have been the start of a major year for him, but he was held back by a left knee injury that eventually needed surgery, causing him to miss the entire 2003 season.
“Winning a major is the biggest goal for any player and the tennis I produced during those two weeks at the Australian Open was the best tennis I played in my whole life,” he says.
“But, unfortunately, my injury came right after Melbourne so I couldn’t practice as hard as I wanted and I couldn’t play as many tournaments as I wanted. I ended up needing an operation, so I missed the whole of 2003. I also missed a year when I was 17. So although I’m 30, I think of myself as 28!”
Johansson, the world No.14, has enjoyed a consistent year but made a disappointing second-round departure from the US Open. Even so, he is optimistic about the rest of 2005. “I’ve been working my way back really hard and I’m starting to play a lot better than I did last year. My game is really coming along. There are plenty of tournaments left this year.”
One of those is the China Open, to be held at the state-of-the-art Beijing Tennis Centre from September 10-25. The men’s singles will be held the first week, with Johansson one of the favourites for the title, while the women’s tournament will be staged the following week.
Tournament director Ekkehard Rathgeber believes Chinese tennis fans are looking forward to seeing Johansson in action. “We are delighted that Thomas is appearing at the China Open,” says Rathgeber, who is also Chief Operating Officer of tournament co-organiser TOM Group Limited, an associate of Hutchison Whampoa Limited.
“Thomas is a Grand Slam champion, an eight-time winner on the ATP Tour and the consummate professional - a perfect role model for any young tennis player. We are certain he will be a big hit with the fans here in Beijing.
“With three other Grand Slam winners, Rafael Nadal, Juan Carlos Ferrero and Carlos Moya, all taking part, plus a host of other top-class players, the men’s singles at the China Open is shaping up to be extremely competitive. Fans at the Beijing Tennis Centre and the millions watching on TV will see some fantastic action.”
Johansson, who is aiming to play for at least three more years, hopes to rediscover the form that he displayed when capturing the Australian Open. “Winning a major is a big positive for your game,” says the Swede. ”When you go into the locker room, the other guys know that if you play your best tennis then you can compete with the top guys. That is really important for me.”
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Released on behalf of TOM Group and the China Open by Two Up Front - Asia’s sports PR specialists.