Tommy Haas: You Can’t Buy ATP Points, Otherwise Gulbis Would Be No. 1!

German veteran Tommy Haas gave on of the quotes of the year today following a 63, 62, 75 win over Jimmy Wang in the second round at Wimbledon.

The 35-year-old Haas is in his 11th appearance at the famed tennis event, and the former semifinalist says it’s been nothing but hard work overcoming injuries to get back into the Top 20.

“I’m so tired of talking about my injuries also, to be honest,” Haas said. “It’s like I’m healthy right now. I’m playing good tennis right now. Yes, I’m 35. There’s nothing I can do about it. I’m later in my career. These are all things that don’t matter once you get out there. I don’t get 15‑Love or 30‑Love every game because I’m 35. You have to win games, sets, and matches.

“I don’t get a handout just because I’ve had five surgeries in my career. It’s not like that. You have to earn everything. You can’t buy ATP points to buy your ranking. It’s not possible, otherwise Gulbis would be No. 1 in the world.”

Haas’s hit funny bit on Gulbis refers to the Latvian’s wealthy father.

Tomorrow, Haas will meet lefty Feliciano Lopez for a spot in Monday’s fourth round.

“He obviously is feeling pretty good, no question about it, winning in Eastbourne,” Haas said of the Spaniard. “He’s been having quite an interesting year in my eyes.

“He’s got a great grass court game, no question about it. I’m going to have to play extremely well to have a chance to win that match, yeah.”