Tommy Haas Reflects After Playing in Final Australian Open

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Tommy Haas Reflects After Playing in Final Australian Open

Tommy Haas didn’t quite have the result he hoped for in his opening round match at the Australian Open. But the former World No. 2 is hoping to achieve a few more memories on the court in what likely will be his last year on tour.

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“I could have easily decided couple of times that I probably won't come back at all and not do this to me, trying to get back into playing shape,” said the 38-year-old Haas “I have a certain level I'd like to play to, as well, obviously. This is not just about trying to get back on court, going left and right, not really having a chance to win. I'm still very competitive. I like to see what else I can still achieve.”

Haas, a three time semifinalist in Melbourne, made his return after having foot surgery last April. Haas faced France’s Benoit Paire in the opening round.

After Paire took the first two sets, Haas ended up retiring in the third set 7-6(2), 6-4 due to illness.

“I’d like to finish on my own terms,” Haas said when asked what motivated him to return to the tour one more time. “That's very important to me as a professional tennis player. Also trying to play this event one more time was important 'cause this was, you know, one of my best slams. I've done really well here in the past. I've always loved coming to this tournament.

“I have a six-year-old daughter now who I would love to see sit in my box the next few months and watch her daddy play and realize what I'm doing and really remember that for the rest of her life. That's another big motivation for me,” Haas added.

Haas will soon start his new role as the tournament director of the BNP Paribas Open event in Indian Wells. Per ATP rules, Haas will not compete as a player there.

Haas is hoping to play in several events leading up to Indian Wells along with the rest of the Grand Slams later this year.

“If you look at it in the big picture, maybe it's not the smartest way to make a comeback, play a Grand Slam. But Grand Slams are Grand Slams, and the Australian Open 2018 seems very, very far away for me. I don't think that's going to happen anymore. That's another reason why I wanted to be here. I'm glad I did it. I don't regret one second of it.”

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