tennishead Q&A: Argentina's Gisela Dulko
Gisela Dulko
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Argentine Gisela Dulko reached the third round at Roland Garros last month and on Wednesday shocked the world by beating former champ Maria Sharapova on Centre Court to move into the third round at Wimbledon for the fourth time in her career. The 24-year-old from Buenos Aires talks about her life on tour…
th: For someone who plays well on clay, you’ve also had success at Wimbledon…
GD: Yes, I love to play on grass – it’s a pity that we only have two or three tournaments. I like grass, sometimes it is very weird at the beginning as it is like playing in your garden but I try to have fun and I love the tournament. It is so nice and so different and I am very happy to go there every year.
th: What’s the best thing and worst things about being a pro?
GD: The best thing is you have the chance to know so many places – so many beautiful places and meet so many people and the worst is being away from your family and friends.
th: Do you get much time to see the places?
GD: Yes, I really like to do sightseeing, when I have the chance but, like you say, it’s hard to find the time when you have matches. When you win you have to focus on the matches and when you lose you move onto another place. I do the best I can.
th: What are your favourite things about your hometown Buenos Aires?
GD: I love my city, I love the people, their personality… the people are very warm and I love the food too. I really miss it when I travel.
th: What kind of food?
GD: I love meat – it’s the best in the world!
th: Steak?
GD: Yes and ice cream as well!
th: You have three dogs called Goran, Guga and Nicole. Goran and Guga are obviously famous tennis players, but who’s Nicole named after?!
GD: Nobody! She’s the oldest and we didn’t name her after a tennis player. I would love to have lots of dogs.
th: Who looks after them while you’re away?
GD: My grandmother, my grandfather and my mother in Buenos Aires.
th: I hear you’re a Marat Safin fan…
GD: I like how he plays, he is very beautiful too and I like his personality on the court like when he gets angry.
th: Because it’s more interesting for fans?
GD: Yes, I like to see personalities from the players, it’s more entertaining.
th: You’ve won seven doubles titles to date – what makes a good team?
GD: I need to have a partner who I can talk to and have fun with. I can’t play with someone who I don’t know and who I don’t have any relationship with.
th: Who have been your favourite partners?
GD: Well, Flavia Pennetta is one of my best friends on the tour – we’re always together! Shahar Peer is a great person and a great player and we also have a nice relationship and I can’t say that one of them is better because with both of them we have a good relationship and I play very good.
th: What’s your favourite tournament?
GD: Acapulco.
th: And your favourite stadium?
GD: I like the main court at the French Open although I have never played on Chatrier – but I want to!
