First-Time Winner Spotlight: Paolo Lorenzi

Paolo Lorenzi beat Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-3, 6-4 on Sunday at the Generali Open in Kitzbuhel to capture his first ATP World Tour title. At 34 years, seven months, the Italian became the oldest first-time winner in ATP World Tour history. It was his second ATP World Tour final, having finished runner-up in Sao Paulo in February 2014.

ATPWorldTour.com spoke to Lorenzi after his victory in Kitzbuhel.

How does it feel to be holding your first ATP World Tour singles trophy at the age of 34?

I think it’s great to win an ATP trophy. I don’t look at the age. I can say that I’m really happy and I don’t mind if it’s happening at 34.

When you were growing up, was it a goal of yours to win an ATP World Tour event?

When I was younger, I think the dream is to become No. 1 and win a Grand Slam, but of course it’s not so easy and only a few players can do this. But a goal of this year was to win one trophy, so this is great for me.

Did you have a different approach for this final compared to your other one in Sao Paulo in 2014?

I think I had a different approach because I already made it to one final. In Sao Paulo, I was one set up. Today, I was one set and one break up, but I was just thinking about playing my best tennis.

What are your goals for the rest of the season?

My goal was to play the Olympics for Italy, so I will go to Rio now. Afterwards, I will try to play more big tournaments with my ranking and try to do my best.

When you look at this season, what do you think has improved the most in your game?

I’m changing a lot. I’m still too far behind the baseline sometimes, so I need to be more aggressive. We’re working every day to try and do something more. I need to improve a lot of things, so this is just the start.

What do you think are the strengths of your game?

I think my mentality. During the match, I’m just thinking about what I have to do and trying to do my best on every point.

Who are the players you looked up to growing up?

Growing up, I liked Boris Becker because my brother was for Stefan Edberg, so we need to fight each other. I’m not enjoying the tennis like before because now when I see a player, I’m trying to study them. But before, it was Boris.

What do you like to do for fun?

When I have time, I read a lot. I read almost a book a week. And when I have a few days off for a holiday, I always go to the sea with my girlfriend.

Who has helped you through your career to get where are you today?

My family. My parents, my brother and in the last year my girlfriend have helped me so much, so I have to say thanks to them.