A two-time champion here and a huge hit with the Chennai crowd, Moya has won at least an ATP Tour title for the eighth straight year and finished as the oldest player in the top-20. On the eve of his semifinal clash against his friend Rafael Nadal, the Spanish ace spoke to Deccan Herald on a variety of topics. Excerpts:
How does it feel being 30 plus and still in the top-20?
It feels good. As long as you are healthy and in good shape you have a chance. I'm physically well prepared to play long matches against these young guys. There's still room to improve no matter how old you are or how long you have been playing the sport. You try new things on the court and you adapt your game to the present conditions. I try and use my experience for the matches. I love playing tennis, so it's not difficult for me.
What keeps you going at this age?
It is my love for the game. I believe in myself, and believe that there is still room to improve my game. I try to use my experience and work on something different. Like, when I was young and at the top, I tried to move to the net and play more aggressively. This year, both worked and the feeling is great.
How different is the modern game from the days when you started playing?
I think the younger players are physically better than I am and use more power, but less experienced as I am and I try to use that to my advantage. Of course, different players play differently. It is different when you play someone like (Rafael) Nadal or (Novak) Djokovic than a 20-year-old ranked 100.
Do you think you can break back into the top-5 or top-10?
Top-5 won't be easy. I think top-10 is a realistic target. I am pretty close to that. You already have three players who are tough to beat -- Federer, Nadal and Djokovic -- after that there are only two places left. I had an excellent year in 2007. After the US Open I was No 8 in the race. If I had won a few more matches, I would have finished in the top-10. It is not that far. If I have a good start this year, I've a chance. But the first goal is the top-15.
Do you think the 'forever No 2' tag is fair on Nadal?
Obviously he can be No 1. He can win more Slams. He is a great player but he is very unlucky to be playing in the same era as Roger (Federer). Tennis is a fair sport and we have a ranking system that reflects who the number one player is. The unfair thing is he is playing in the same era as the greatest player ever.
How have you re-invented yourself as a player?
I have evolved as a player. When I was 20 and 21, if I wanted to be on top for a long time, I had to develop a few different things. That's why I tried to mix the game more and move more to the net. I tried to be more aggressive and shorten the points a little bit. All these things have helped me now.
There's been more to Moya than a tennis player...
Tennis has always been my top priority. I just want to play tennis and have some fun. I have hopefully done enough in my career to be remembered as a tennis player. Whatever I have done other than tennis -- acting, music, bringing out my line of perfume -- is when I've got free time from tennis.
What about life after tennis?
I think I am still healthy enough to be playing for another two years. I'll think about it after that.