“It feels good. You have been waiting for this for a long time…
Yes. It’s been a long time since I’ve played tournaments of this level. I spent a year playing Challengers, except for Roland-Garros where I have a wild card. It was a difficult year, but I had no choice but to return to Challengers to gain points and move up the rankings. My goal was to finish the year in the top 100 and I didn’t get there, I finished 115. Since covid, it has been difficult and I have not had very good results. But here, plus Patrice-Dominguez on the court, someone who helped me a lot when I was younger, touches me. I was here in the final 11 years ago, I have only good memories. Beating Andy is great, it’s magic.
“I constantly hear criticism that I only drink alcohol and that I have no point in playing tennis… On a daily basis, it’s difficult”
After the match, it seemed that the tears were not far away …
It’s hard, yes. I was ranked 18th in the world, I played in big tournaments. And I will only play challengers for a year. And against those who play well. And I keep hearing these criticisms that I just drink alcohol and I don’t have any sense to play tennis… On a daily basis, it’s hard. But I think I have put in a lot of effort and it has paid off. In addition, I have not had any pain in my Achilles tendon, so everything is positive and it will be a great victory. That’s why I still play tennis.
What motivates you to be on the court even at the age of 34?
I still have a passion for tennis, the desire to play on big courts and play big matches. I play for him, not to play challengers. I think I still have the level to play any tournament I like. Physically, and if my head is good, I think I can still achieve good results. I don’t want to end up in an inferior tournament and I have no regrets. I have known for a long time that I can beat good players. Even last year, I told myself that with this quality of tennis, being on the main circuit, I could have beaten the good guys. This win proves to me that I am still capable of landing big shots when the head and body are there. Well, Murray may be at the end of his career, but he is still a tough player to beat. I had a great performance. I love playing this type of opponent. And on the big court, I am able to do great things. But to play on the big court you have to go through the challenger again and it was not easy. »
(TagsToTranslate)Bertrand Lagacherie
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