Update: 4:45pm. Veteran Tommy Haas says “he’s always loved playing here in Australia”, ahead of his Brisbane International debut.
The 33-year-old made reference to his 2001 win in Adelaide and also his silver medal at the Sydney Olympics back in 2000 as some of the top achievements in his 16 years as a professional.
“I’ve had some of my best moments here … I really love being here, I love coming back,” he said nostalgically.
“I still remember some of those moments like they were yesterday but that just shows you how fast life goes by.”
More recently the German has been trekking a tough trail after hip and elbow shoulder surgery in mid-2010 derailed his campaign for a frustratingly long 14 months.
Haas, whose career has been interluded with injury, made a comeback to the singles court at Roland Garros last year before reaching the third round of the US Open and said his competitive streak helped him through a difficult period.
“Coming back from hip surgery is not easy,” he said.
“The sport obviously is getting more and more physical each year and it’s getting hard on your body when you’ve had some injuries.
“Deep down, if you’ve always been competitive for so long, you’re always going to try [to come back].”
With a a much-needed summer of injury-free training under his belt, Haas enters his first Brisbane International in the best shape he’s been in for some time.
After a hit-up under the roof at Pat Rafter Arena, it was evident that Haas’s feel for the game was beginning to return, as well as the trademark timing on his one-handed backhand.
> Watch Brisbane International 2012 videos
“At least I feel now that I can learn again how to play points and adjust my game and try to compete and play the points well, especially when in tight moments.
“You lose that a little bit, you know, when you haven’t played many matches in a good year and a half, two years.”
And he is aware that plenty of pressure points will arise in a strong Brisbane International main draw – charismatic Cypriot, Marcos Baghdatis was nominated by Haas as someone who could fly under the radar.
“The field is very strong … it’s the beginning of the year, it’s really about the person who put a lot of work in December.
“You’ve got guys like [Marcos] Baghdatis, who I think is very dangerous.
“Obviously Andy [Murray] is going to be the favourite, he’s been playing great tennis coming back off a couple of injuries at the end of last year.”
However, despite the presence of some big (and younger) names, Haas, who still holds a protected world ranking of No.20, is not counting out adding a 13th career title to an already impressive trophy cabinet.
> View draws and order of play
“My main goal would be to win another title on the tour. I don’t really go off the rankings anymore”, he said.
But for now, Haas is content to keep his mindset simple, work hard on the practice courts and give it his best shot ahead of what could potentially be his last tour Down Under.
“For me it’s really about just going out there, competing hard, trying to win.
“If this happens to be my last time [in Australia], which I really do not hope, I’ll try to do the best that I can.
“Hopefully I can come back next year with my daughter, so who knows.”