Dubai: Ernests Gulbis was momentarily transported back to his school days when he attended a prize-giving ceremony at the Cambridge International School. At 22, he still looks like he could pass off as one of the many who had gathered to catch a glimpse of one of the most talented players on the ATP World Tour and in an exclusive interview to XPRESS, the man who is regarded by Roger Federer as a future champion talked about his school days, his first visit to Dubai and his tennis.
"This is a much better school than the one I used to study in. There is a lot of space for outdoor activities. Mine was indoors, it was cold and gloomy," he said.
"But then, I changed four schools and it was only in the school where I studied from Class V to IX that I made friends. After Class IX, I went to a sports school. Looking back, those were the best days of my life."
"Right now, I am enrolled in the University of Arts back home, but unfortunately haven't had the time to appear for exams over the last two years. But then I will not be playing tennis all my life and a university degree will prove useful," he added.
This is Gulbis' first visit to the city and besides the weather, he has already taken a liking to the major attractions the city has to offer. "I went to the Burj Khalifa. It was such an amazing experience. I also took a stroll around the downtown area for about an hour," he said.
The Latvian sensation, who missed out on a quarter-final meeting with Federer, reciprocated a compliment paid to him by the Swiss maestro. "It's great to hear praise from the greatest. It will only spur me to do better," he said, referring to Federer's comments about him being one of the most promising players around. And despite having beaten Federer at the Italian Open last year, Gulbis disagrees that the Federer-[Rafael] Nadal domination is over as claimed by one or two of his peers. "I know there are about five players out there who are capable of beating them, but their domination is far from over, believe me," he said.
Talking about how his own career has unfolded so far, Gulbis said: "I am only 22 and haven't done badly so far, but I know I could have done better. My goal this year is to get into the top-10."
Rising graph
Won first and only ATP World Tour title at Delray Beach last year
Best result in a Grand Slam was reaching the quarters at French Open in 2008
Currently ranked 24th in the world
