Vietnamese fans have impressed world tennis stars Mardy Fish of the US and Tommy Robredo of Spain when they arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to play the four-rival invitational tournament Heineken Stars on October 1-2.
“It was amazing at the (Tan Son Nhat) airport, a lot of people were waiting and waving for me,” Robredo said during an hour-long talk show at 10:30 GMT on Thursday with Vietnamese fans at the newsroom of Tuoi Tre Newspaper. “So, it’s really great.”
The Spaniard player, currently ranking 42nd in the world, admitted he feels surprising with emotions from fans in the Southeast Asian nation.
“When I was at home, nobody was waving for me at the airport, and I just get a taxi and I go home.”
Sharing similar emotions with Robredo, the American Mardy Fish -- the world No 19 -- said, “Very special here to walk out (of the crowds of fans at the airport) as seeing people cheering, waving and calling my name.”
“We really enjoy seeing that,” he added.
Talking about his competition career, Fish said, “it’s not easy to become a professional.”
“Practise, and just practise a lot and chances will come along with your improvements.”
Besides, “it’s not cheap to train a young beginner to become a pro, it’s too much and it depends on individuals.”
Both players also signed autographs and pose for photographs with around 50 fans during the talk at Tuoi Tre.
On Friday, Robredo will take on Fish and Argentine Juan Monaco, the world No 35, will face the other American Sam Querrey, number 21 in the world.
Two winners will play the final in the following day to decide cash prizes of $40,000 and $20,000. The others get $10,000 each.
