Mumbai, Dec 24: World number seven Carlos Moya of Spain yesterday said he was hoping to be third time lucky in his attempt to win the title in the forthcoming Tata Open Tennis Championship to be held at Chennai from January 5-11, 2004.
"The first time I played in Chennai, I suffered an injury and last year I lost a close match. I hope I will be third time lucky this time around," Moya told reporters in a tele conference here.
"I think Tommy Robredo, Rafael Nadal (both Spaniards) and reigning champion Paradorn Srichaphan of Thailand are the strongest opponents in this year's tournament", he said.
Speaking about the Davis Cup final, where Spain lost to Australia recently, Moya said "though I managed to beat mark Philipoussis in the only win, I would have been happier if my team had won the final. Winning the Davis Cup for my country is more important to me than any personal glory."
When asked whether he had played any of the Indian players, Moya said "I have played only Mahesh Bhupathi in the singles and he is a good player. I have heard India's number one player Leander Paes too is a good player but he is more into doubles nowadays."



Moya said that tennis has taken Spain by storm and more and more people are taking to the sport in recent times.



"There are as many as ten Spaniards in the top 25 players draw at Chennai as well."


Bureau Report