Interview with Dennis Novak - "Julian Knowle makes a big difference"
After qualifying and reaching the second round at Wimbledon, Dennis Novak has returned from the grass to the clay courts. At the first edition of the Finaport Zug Open, number 166 in the ATP world rankings reached the quarter-finals with victories over Yshai Oliel from Israel and Maximilian Marterer from Germany.
by Florian Heer
last edit:
Jul 29, 2022, 01:44 pm
We arranged to meet him for an interview at the largest ATP Challenger tournament in Switzerland and talked about his season so far, to what extent tennis and family are compatible and what makes the Tennis Bundesliga so special.
Mr. Novak, the Zug Open is celebrating its premiere on the ATP Challenger Tour this week. What are your impressions?
Dennis Novak: It's very nice. This generally applies to tournaments in Switzerland. Then you know what to expect. In addition, many spectators come to the matches. All in all it's very cool here.
We would have expected you more in Kitzbühel. What is the reason that you did not compete in the Generali Open?
The tournament didn't fit into my tournament schedule this year. I haven't played a good season so far and wanted to get match practice at Challenger level. In addition, other players have definitely earned a wild card in Kitzbühel this year.
But you will surely follow the events in Tyrol with one eye?
Naturally.
We got just after halfway through the season. What is your conclusion so far?
So far not so good. The beginning of the year was difficult for me due to a corona infection. That still bothered me a lot. So it didn't go as planned. In mid-June, just before Wimbledon, my physical condition got better and I was able to train well again. Having Julian Knowle back makes a big difference too.
You had already worked together in the past. How did a new partnership come about?
We were actually always in contact, but in the meantime he was traveling with Kevin Krawietz and Andreas Mies. When they broke up, I asked him again and he agreed immediately. We get along very well on and off the field and have the same interests. That's just really good for me after the time alone on the tour.
Are you someone who doesn't like going to the tournaments alone?
From time to time I think that's a good thing. However, I also like to take friends with me to talk about things other than tennis. That is very important to me. Of course I want to get my work done, but then I also like to occupy myself with other things. Family or football can then also be other topics. Then it is an advantage to have someone with you.
keyword family. A lot has happened for you there. You became a father last year and more offspring are already on the way. What has changed as a result of family life?
The biggest change is probably coming home. Even after defeats, where you might be pissed, it's good to know that you have a great wife and a great child at home. It makes defeats easier to digest. On the other hand, being away is also very difficult. However, you are very well equipped with video telephony and modern communication.
Would it then be an option to tour together as a quartet in the future?
Rather no. My girlfriend is currently doing her master's degree and is doing her doctorate in veterinary medicine. She is very diligent and does not want to travel much. We agreed that it fits.
Are you someone who enjoys exploring the cities at tournaments and traveling a lot off the pitch?
You already know most of the cities. But here, for example, it is of course nice to go to the lake or have a coffee or eat an ice cream. However, I am probably not one of the classic tourists. I much prefer to relax.
You were able to achieve another good result at Wimbledon. Is there a specific formula for success, why things are going well on the sacred turf?
My game goes well with the grass. In addition, the tournament is always a lot of fun for me, which allows me to relax. Lawn season also only takes place for a limited time of the year, which adds an extra appeal.
Do you also take a special souvenir with you?
The towels you get at the matches (laughs). I also wanted to go to the shop, but there were always a lot of people there. I only got hold of a couple of keychains and then it was good.
You also play for TC Großhesselohe in the German Tennis Bundesliga. What makes this competition so appealing to you?
I generally like team events, whether it's the Davis Cup or the Bundesliga. That's always a lot of fun. The Bundesliga in Germany is very important. You can see that in particular in the audience response. We're also a laid-back bunch. Munich is also not far from Austria. The mentality is similar. We are all in great contact. Kasi (Christopher Kas) manages it all very well. It's a round thing.
Is the championship still a goal?
It's going to be tight, but I hope so. We dropped one or two unnecessary points. But you never know: when we really get going again and Düsseldorf still gets on its nerves. Just take a look.
Thank you for the interview and all the best.