All around him, the various spectators begin making their way to the various courts as another day at the Australian Open begins.
A noise from off-camera causes Hans to lower the paper, a wide grin forming as he reaches out to shake the hand of HWA reporter Mike Anderson as he comes into view.
(Mike Anderson): Hans!
(Hans): Mike, a pleasure as always.
Mike flops down into the seat next to Hans.
(Mike Anderson): I’m surprised you agreed to do this interview.
(Hans): I’m surprised you came all the way out here to do it!
Mike smiles as he adjusts his seating.
(Mike Anderson): Pass up an paid all-inclusive trip to Australia just to do a one on one interview? Yeah, pull the other one Hans.
Both men glance off camera momentarily; distracted by what the camera crew are saying.
(Mike Anderson): Right, well the quicker we get started the quicker we finish up.
Hans folds the paper, and drops it down onto the table, as the camera crew count down.
(Mike Anderson): Well first off Hans, for the viewers, what brings you out here to Australia?
(Hans): The opportunity for some R&R away from my usual haunts with a nice bit of sun, and a chance to take in a sport that both Vanessa and I enjoy.
(Mike Anderson): You rooting for anyone in particular?
A slow smile creeps across Hans' face as he responds, the mirth evident in his voice.
(Hans): I'm going to be a glory hunter and say Federer. *Laughs* But if Nadal or Murray were to triumph, then that'd be fine with me too.
(Mike Anderson): What about the Women's title. Do you have any favourites?
(Hans): I'll be honest; I don't really keep my eye on the Women's results. I can only stomach so much of the grunting that goes on, so no, no favourites there.
(Mike Anderson): You seemed quite taken with Australia when you were here last year on the 'HWA Down Under' Tour. Did that play a part in you coming here?
(Hans): For sure. I had a fantastic time when I was out here, the people were, and still are, very friendly. The food's good, the scenery's really quite something, and on a more personal note, I'm less recognizable than back home in Germany or in America.
He pauses, throwing Mike a knowing smirk.
(Hans): Or at least, until this interview airs; and people find out that I'm here…
(Mike Anderson): Yeah, sorry about that.
They both share a laugh.
(Mike Anderson): With the next Havoc just around the corner though Hans, shouldn't you be back home training?
(Hans): As soon as management can get over the legal hurdles of hosting the next Havoc, then yes, I'll be hitting the gym like there's no tomorrow.
Mike turns to the camera.
(Mike Anderson): Those of you who keep up with the news will no doubt be aware of the recent lobbying by various groups against the content of your typical HWA show, the PTC being the most high profile amongst them.
He turns back to Hans.
(Mike Anderson): Does it bother you, to be a part of a company that regularly hits the headlines for the wrong reasons, as much as the right?
(Hans): Not really. I mean…
He gestures around him.
(Hans): … this company pays me enough that I'm able to come across to Australia for a few days on more or less a whim. I can understand that some people will be taken aback by what goes on, and certainly I've been shocked by the actions of select individuals, but…
He shrugs.
(Hans): … I guess, ultimately, those of us actually involved are all self-serving, a little selfish, and with regards to certain individuals; hypocritical, and that's why we put up with it. If things were really bad, you could up-sticks and leave, but the benefits outweigh the negatives for sure.
(Mike Anderson): Have you been keeping up with recent announcements and promos from the roster?
(Hans): I'd be remiss if I didn't.
(Mike Anderson): I'm sure that you'll be aware of some criticism aimed at your World Title Lottery coming from the person that you deposed to win it in the first place then.
Hans chuckles, as he leans back into his seat, one hand adjusting his set of aviators as he does so.
(Hans): I am indeed Mike.
To be continued...
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