My Masters 1000: Pablo Cuevas

Pablo Cuevas is no stranger to success at ATP World Tour Masters 1000 events. In 2015, he clinched the doubles title at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia. In 2016, the 31-year-old reached the singles fourth round at the Mutua Madrid Open.

The Uruguayan has advanced to his first singles ATP World Tour Masters 1000 quarter-final at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells this week. Cuevas tells ATPWorldTour.com about his Masters 1000 favourites and dreams.

Which ATP World Tour Masters 1000 host city is your favourite and why?
I love Rome. I remember studying its history at school, with the mythology, the architecture, the city in general… And the club is really nice. When you walk around, with all those statues… The Pietrangeli court is one of the most beautiful ones on Tour.

Which Masters 1000 would you most want to win and why?
I had the honour to win Rome in 2015 in doubles [w/David Marrero], but if I had to pick one for singles, I would say probably one in Europe or the United States. However, all the Masters 1000 are the same in terms of importance so any one would be great.

What is your favourite off-court memory at a Masters 1000?
For me there is not one in particular, but I love the fact that loads of people come to watch tennis, especially in Indian Wells and Miami, the two places where you can also do a lot of off-court activities. I remember I went fishing once in Miami for an activity and that was great.

What do you consider to be your best Masters 1000 win?
Miami, 2011. I beat Andy Roddick there in two sets [6-4, 7-6(4)].

What is your dream match at a Masters 1000 (who would you play & at which tournament)?
Well, to make it a dream match I should win. That’s a must. Then, the rival could be any of the Big Four, those four players who are making history in our sport: Rafa [Nadal], Roger [Federer], [Andy] Murray or [Novak] Djokovic. In any venue. Actually, an outdoor one.

Which player/champion would you consider to be the toughest competitor in Masters 1000 history?
It really depends on the surface but I would say Murray and Djokovic are the toughest ones on hard court and Rafa, (Stan) Wawrinka and also Djokovic on clay courts.

Which Masters 1000 tournament has the rowdiest fans?
Miami for sure. Although it’s true that we get a lot of support at every Masters 1000 and all the crowds are very respectful.