Luca Van Assche, Arthur Fils, Giovanni Mpetshi and Sean Cuenin had burst the screen last June by being all four in the last square of Roland-Garros juniors. Since then, another French junior has asserted himself: Sascha Gueymard Wayenburg. The 18-year-old, eighth-finalist of Roland-Garros in the shadow of his friends, won superb semi-finals at Wimbledon then to l’US Open and finished his junior circuit in 8th place in the world. An explosion that could very well never have happened.
Le Mag Tennis Actu with Sascha Gueymard Wayenburg
In doubt before coming Auteuil gate, the Frenchie was planning to change plans and maybe fly to the United States. Fortunately, confidence returned and Sascha white “a daydream“for 3 months. New protégé of Lionel Zimbler, the one who started tennis at Rognac now wants to conquer the professional world and continue to grow. For Tennis News, the Frenchie is back on these last months of madness, his new training structure and his goals.
“Since Roland-Garros, it’s just a dream. I’m on cloud nine”
Sascha do it 8e world in juniors since Monday thanks to your semi-final at the US Open. I imagine it’s going well.
This second part of the season is a bit of a daydream for me. Since Roland-Garros, it’s just a dream… Roland-Garros, I made the round of 16, Wimbledon and US Open semi-finals. I’m on a little cloud.
You were 69e in June. Two semi-finals at Wimbledon and the US Open this year, how do you explain this explosion?
I was in a complicated period before Roland-Garros. I arrived stress free, just happy to play at home. The first game clicked and I regained my confidence. Then I hit the grass in Roehampton and felt good. I enjoyed playing a series of matches. After that, everything happened on its own.
At Roland Garros, we talked a lot about Juniors, Van Assche, Fils Mpetshi Cuenin, you were in the shadows. How did you live it? Did it inspire you, motivate you?
It was quite special. From the first game, we were together in the locker room. It was historic for all French people, with a positive atmosphere, everyone supported and carried each other. Everyone wanted to enjoy the moment.
“I made my comeback in STAPS. I didn’t want to drop out. I wanted a plan B”
For those who don’t know you, how is Sascha in life?
He’s a normal person. I made my return to STAPS yesterday (Editor’s note: Tuesday, September 14) I am a fairly simple person who does not take the lead. I really like motorsports. Formula 1, Moto GP… I have a friend in the Porsche Carrera Cup. This is something that I really like.
What has been your background so far?
I started thanks to my older brother. I started at the Rognac club. I’ve been at the Ligue Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur for 7 years. It is in particular thanks to Christophe Casa, my first club coach, Bruno Clément. Then, I went with Romain Bazire to the League. And I have continued until now. It’s a progression really with the help of the League.
Did you tell us about STAPS? It is a new stage in your life. Why did you make this choice?
I do STAPS at CREPS in Aix-en-Provence. It is a device for top-level athletes. I wanted to continue my studies. Sports trainer can be a solution.
Are studies a precaution for reassurance?
Yes that’s it, to have something else to do. I didn’t want to pick up. I wanted a plan B. Everything pins correctly.
“If I hadn’t had Roland, I could have switched to another project. Roland saved me”
You mentioned difficulties last June. Can you talk about it?
Yes of course. I went on 6 first laps on earth with 7-6 in the last, 7-5 in the last… Where each time, I won before giving in. I was trying a lot and it wasn’t paying off. It was a mentally complicated time. Without Roland, it could have been very hard for me. Fortunately, Roland gave me a little light.
Roland saved you?
Completely ! If I hadn’t had Roland, I could have switched to another project. Going to the United States… It was a complicated time. At Roland Garros, I had a break in advance in the last set and I’m getting picked up. Fortunately, I won and it freed me. Roland saved me.
Does that mean you had thought about other options?
Yes. My brother is in the United States in the university course. I told myself that if the results did not come, that could be a solution. I would have continued to play but I would not have tried the circuit like now.
“A successful career? That would be the top 50 I think”
A few pro tournaments only, a quarter in Tunisia, in U15, the goal is to finish with a final or a title for the year?
Yes… I will try to have a title or at least feel good about my game before December. There, I start from 0 with a new trainer and a new structure. The next goal will be to be top 500. We started from Wimbledon. The League no longer takes people over 18 after Roland-Garros. I was asked to go to the CNE or to find a private structure. I chose Lionel Zimbler’s structure. I’ve known him since I was about 10 years old. I feel good and I am very happy. It will work well I think.
Are the juniors over?
Yes it’s over for me. I’m glad I ended up like this at the US Open. I had the capacity to do more, I am a little over my hunger but it did not happen. I did my best, I have no more regrets than that.
What are your medium and long-term goals?
In the long term, we all have the top 100 as our goal. I have the top 500 in mind. But, I’m not going to put myself under pressure to tell myself that you have to have this ranking every week. I’m going to do my best, hoping to get a wild card in qualifying at Roland Garros.
Do some tournaments make you dream more than others?
Afterwards I can’t afford to judge tournaments but yes Roland-Garros makes me dream. I tasted it in Juniors, so in Seniors it would be magic.
A successful career, do you have any idea what it is?
It would be the top 50 I think. I admit that I don’t like to say that to myself. You set a limit for yourself, but that’s kind of my state of mind.
And what is your dream?
Win a Grand Slam. Roland-Garros, that would be special!
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