Life on tour with Fernando Gonzalez

Joining the ATP or WTA circuit is something akin to embarking on an endless world tour. Rolandgarros.com asked some of tennis’s major stars for an insight into their life as a perennial sporting backpacker. Today we chat to No12 seed, Chile’s Fernando Gonzalez, who faces Portugal’s Rui Machado in the second round on Wednesday. Which is the most relaxing city on tour? Bora Bora in Tahiti. I went there for a week’s holiday and it was amazingly calm. Which cities have the worst traffic jams? New York and Beijing, but the worst of the two is New York. In which city would you most like to buy a house? San Diego. Name an amazing place you’ve visited. The Great Wall of China. Where are the best beaches? Again Bora Bora in Tahiti. It’s a magical place. Where is your favourite restaurant? I can’t remember its name, but it’s in Rome in Italy. What is the worst thing about travelling? Airports and checking-in. It gets worse every time. Which is the friendliest country to visit? China. Who are your travelling companions? My coach and my fitness trainer. Tell us one thing you would change about the circuit. I’d love to be able to sleep in my own house more often! Who are the most supportive spectators? The Chileans. Where are the most knowledgeable spectators? Here in Paris, by far.