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Interview: Mario Ancic

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(CNN) -- CNN's Candy Reid interviewed Croatian tennis star Mario Ancic, whose hopes of making the season-ending Masters Cup are over after he slumped to a 6-3 6-3 defeat by Nikolay Davydenko in the Paris Masters. However, at 22 and a top-10 player, Ancic believes he has learned what it takes to win major titles. The following is a transcript:

Q. Firstly, I know it must be disappointing to miss out on a spot in the Masters Cup, but after your recent 2 month injury lay-off, were you a little surprised at coming so close to a berth in Shanghai?

A. I am really proud of this year. Because of this injury I missed 3 Tennis Masters Series Events and the US Open and I was still able to be in the race for Shanghai. It shows the consistency of the rest of the year and this is something I am proud of.

Q. Was your St. Petersburg Open win at the end of October the most satisfying of your career?

A. It was great. Coming of an injury and not playing well in Madrid it was very satisfying. After Madrid we kind of went back to work and really prepared well for St. Petersburg. I am glad it paid off and I am delighted to end the year in the top 10.

Q. Is it true you injured your knee jumping into the sea? Are you ever going to go boating again?

A. I was on the boat and as I stepped in the water I slipped. It was an accident and was obviously a bit unlucky. I am moving forward and am just happy that I am healthy.

Q. You've won Davis Cup, and been as high as #7 in the World Rankings -- is a Grand-Slam title your next goal?

A. At 22 years old I am very happy with my accomplishments so far. I have won a gold medal, won the Davis Cup and accomplished my childhood dream of being amongst the top 10 players in the world. Moving forward, I will fight to win tournaments and obviously the Grand Slams. I cannot guarantee results, but I can guarantee that I will work and fight as hard as possible to get the most out of my career.

Q. Which Slam do you think you have most chance of winning?

A. Wimbledon

Q. Do you ever bemoan your luck that you're playing in the Roger Federer era?

A. No, I see it as a great challenger. Roger is already one of the best that ever played the game and it makes me work even harder. It is a great challenge for me.

Q. Federer doesn't seem to be keen on the electronic line calling technology, what are your thoughts?

A. This change was obviously brought in because the fans liked it. It really puts people on the edge of their seat and gets them involved. We have to stay up-to-date as a sport and I am in support of this new technology.

Q. And finally, what are your plans for the winter break?

A. Training!

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