Tennis & Sports

Most inspirational player/athlete (past or present)?
Ayrton Senna and Pelé

When did you first become interested / show an interest in tennis?
When I was a kid, around six and my parents used to play at the local club.

Most thrilling moment in sports.
I think it was in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona when Brazil won the volleyball competition. It was a very exciting match. I love volleyball so that made it twice as exciting for me.

What is the biggest challenge you have overcome in tennis? For me it has been to forget defeats. That was always a thing that was not helping my game. When I overcame it, it helped me a lot. What was your most important victory? I think that by now everyone knows this one: Roland Garros 1997. What special steps do you take to mentally prepare for a big match? I concentrate more in the physical part rather than the mental one. I do take my practice very seriously. I want to be as concentrated physically and mentally to get 100 percent out of it.

How do you cope with defeat?
For me, a defeat goes away easily.

What (thus far) has been the defining point in your career?
Roland Garros '97 changed my tennis life.

What other sports are you interested in / good at?
I love surfing and I always try to surf when I am home. But I like watching all sports. Soccer, volleyball, basket-ball, car racing.

Do you have any special training techniques? No, but as I said before, I take my training very seriously. I am concentrated 100 percent. Do you have any special rituals/habits before, during or after a match? Not really. Why do you love tennis? I love the travelling, meeting people. Also, I like challenges and I like to compete.

Favourites

Band: It's tough to say, because I like so many, but if I had to pick one, it would be Bob Marley

Outside Interests

Charity
I Donate US$ 200 per match I play, singles or doubles, win or lose, to APAE, (Association of Parents and Friends of the Handicaped).

Why?
Because I like to do something good with my money. It's a good feeling to be able to help others. My younger brother, who is mentally handicapped attends APAE every day. Even before I had won a Grand Slam I already helped them, but now I can help them more.

What are your favourite non-tennis destinations? Biarritz, Costa Rica... mostly beautiful surfing beaches. Fashion (special designers/types of clothing?) Loose clothes especially from Diadora (they are also my sponsors). I like the surfing type ones. Do you play any musical instruments? I'm learning to play the guitar. Do you have any pets (type / name / age? I have some dogs at home. Hobbies (collecting, etc?) I like watches.

Surfing the net / day trading
I do it a lot when I'm travelling, it's a way to keep in touch with my friends and to know what's going on in the news.

Family Background

Family
Mother Alice Thumel Kuerten. Father - Aldo Kuerten (died 14 years ago).

How many brothers / sisters?
Two brothers, Rafael, aged 25 and Guilherme, aged 21.

Any family members with prominent sports background?
My parents practised sports a lot and my father, Aldo, was a very good basketball player.

Good / interesting family sports history stories?
My father used to play basketball as I have said previously. The thing is that one day he was playing a match and my brother was born. He thought everything was under control but my brother was born and he arrived late... he wasn't too happy.

Interesting family story / fact?
Mother Alice is the vice-president of APAE and is a social worker. My brother Rafael now looks over my career.

Personal

Who is the most inspirational person in your life?
My family and my coach.

If you weren't a tennis player, what would you be?
I don't know. It's hard to imagine myself outside of sports... maybe a singer.

How do you deal with popularity?
I think it's everyone's dream to be recognized for what you do. I think I deal with it very well. I know when it's time to separate the things, to do interviews, to do autographs.

Outside of a big win, what is your 'ideal day'?
Surf in the morning, meet my friends for a barbecue at the beach, spend time with my family and perhaps go out at night.

Apart from the tennis - what do you like most about being a tennis player?
Visiting places and meeting people.

What do you like least about being a tennis player?
The hotel life... pack and unpack and being on the plane all the time.

How do you cope with the constant travel?
I try to enjoy it a lot when I am home and try to enjoy it a lot when I'm gone.

What do you plan to do after tennis?
I don't know. I can't even think about it now.

Weblinks:

To find out more about Gustavo Kuerten and all the latest news on his progress this year, visit his player profile page at the Offiicial ATP website: http://www.atptennis.com/en/players/playerprofiles/default2.asp?playersearch=Kuerten%2C+Gustavo