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Second Serve

Following his controversial suspension, Guillermo Cañas returns to the tennis court, and his game seems better than ever.

Overcoming adversity in sports separates the professional from the aficionado. While many would have called it quits after a 15-month suspension, Guillermo Cañas came back hungrier then ever. He was suspended after he tested positive for a diuretic during a 2005 tournament in Mexico. It was later revealed that Cañas was not entirely at fault, and that he was given improper medication by tournament staff.
At the time of the suspension the Argentinean was ranked 10th in the world, but because of it he was forced to forfeit $276,070, and 525 points from the singles ranking and 95 from the doubles ranking, losing his privileged spot. Since his return, however, he has twice beaten the No. 1 ranked Roger Federer in consecutive tournaments, giving him a record against the Swiss of three victories and one defeat, a rare accomplishment. More impressive still, during the first quarter of 2007 he moved up 114 places in the ranking, making him No. 21 as of press date. Hispanic Magazine spoke with him in Buenos Aires upon his return from the Davis Cup.

Hispanic Magazine: What is the secret to overcoming obstacles like you did?
Guillermo Cañas: Well, I don’t really know the secret, but I guess what helped me the most was that I was always sure that I wanted to come back ... and my desire was stronger than the circumstances at the time. Also my friends, my family and people who continue to be with me today were the key that helped me overcome bad times and get where I am now.

HM: Nowadays, it’s usual for high performance athletes to consult sports psychologists. Did you ever make use of their services?
GC: I did therapy six years ago, and I loved it. But my doctor traveled to the U.S. after two years of therapy and I never started again. I believe therapy is a type of support that always helps, not only in your professional life, but in every aspect of life. It helped me a lot.
HM: You always have a smile on your face. Is there anything that brings you down?
GC: Less and less. I guess adversity made me enjoy my profession even more. Now I’m living this great moment and something really terrible would have to happen for me to really worry myself. The best thing that I am doing is enjoying what I do, what I say, and what I am going to do in the future each and every day.

HM: Are your goals at this point in your career the same as they were when you were starting out?
GC: When I came back in September, I wanted to be within the first 20. I’m very close now, and my goal will be the same until I achieve it. And surely, after that, I’ll want more and more. But what I proposed at the end of the year is already feasible and I want to make it a reality.

HM: Did you ever think after your comeback you would beat Roger Federer consecutively as you did?
GC: No, I didn’t, and neither did anyone else, especially not in two important tournaments—the Indian Wells and Miami Masters—back-to-back. Actually, it was a pleasant surprise for me, I knew it was something we would try to achieve, but I never thought it would turn out as it did. I believe it is very helpful to my spirit and confidence, and for everything that may come in the future.

HM: Do you think things would be different if you hadn’t left the circuit?
GC: I enjoy what I have. The love of the people is incredible and so is the fact that I am back on the court. There is anger for everything that happened; it was a long time [off the court] having done nothing wrong. That causes a great deal of pain, but I try to see what I have, which is a lot, and all the positive things that happen to me every day. Moreover, I don’t want to think about the past, I want to think about what is happening right now.

HM: What exactly happened with the penalty?
GC: I’m 100 percent sure that it was unfair, I have proved it, and I’m clearing my name with time, which has been the only thing that has really motivated me. I guess it will be impossible to get back what they took from me, because these 15 months outside the circuit cannot be replaced. It is going to be very difficult, regardless of the economic compensation I may obtain, which doesn’t matter to me. They can never give me back the time that has passed.

HM: The sport has made you travel. Have you found your place in the world?
GC: Yes, it’s Buenos Aires, without a doubt.

HM: How do you see yourself in 10 years?
GC: Fat, enjoying the things I can’t treat myself to right now. Eating, for example, and doing all those things that are forbidden in an athlete’s life.

HM: You didn’t mention the possibility of being part of the tennis world.
GC: No, I didn’t. I really love this world, I don’t know if I’ll be part of it in the future, but I guess I will because this is my whole reality. Honestly, I haven’t thought about my life after retirement yet. Today I’m completely immersed in this world and I hope to have four more years here. Let’s hope it works out that way.