“How did you experience the support of the public?
The public was incredible, as since the beginning of the tournament. I think they know that I won’t be here very long (smile). The feeling of playing here, the most important place in my career… The support of the public, it’s very difficult to describe. I can’t thank everyone enough. Thank you all. It’s one of those unforgettable nights.
Did you think you could play more than 8h30 in the space of 48 hours?
I had told Rome that I was going to have my doctor with me here. And that having my doctor here allows me to do things that give me relief. Now is not the time to talk about it, we will talk about it when my tournament is over. I give everything I have to try to play this tournament in the best possible conditions. I don’t know what can happen next. But here, I think it will be fine.
“It’s for those moments that I still play, but it’s only a quarter-final, I haven’t won anything”
You finished the match at 1:15 a.m. Are these night sessions too late?
Yes, without a doubt. I can’t complain because we have two days off, but if you only have one… Or like Zverev who has to play the Madrid final the next day (of a night session), it’s a big problem. I understand this part of the business, the televisions pay dearly to have these matches at that time, which allows the tournaments, and therefore the players, to earn money. You have to find a good balance. Starting the match at 9 p.m., on clay, in the best of five sets, can take a long time.
This match looked like a final, but it wasn’t. How do you immediately get back into the tournament after experiencing such emotion?
Let’s say I have some experience with that. (smile). It was a very intense night. It’s for those moments that I still play, but it’s only a quarter-final, I haven’t won anything. I simply gave myself the opportunity to return to the court in two days. To be back in the semi-finals at Roland-Garros means a lot.
If I lose the next game or if I don’t play well, it won’t be because I won’t be focused. I am very stable from an emotional point of view. Now is the time to take advantage. But tomorrow (Wednesday) I’ll start thinking about what I have to do for the semi-final. The main objective is to maintain the level at which I played today (mardi).
“I have what I have at my feet. If we don’t find solutions, it will become extremely difficult.”
Beating Djokovic, does it have an extra flavor?
We have a great history in common, a lot of important moments against each other. It’s always a special game against him. It was emotional because the last three months have not been easy. I don’t want to talk again about what I went through during that time, but it wasn’t fun. My team helped me hang on. That’s what makes this match so special.
You mentioned the fact that every game here could be your last at Roland-Garros. Does it make things even stronger emotionally on the court?
Yes, I can’t say otherwise. I am very clear on this. I’m old enough not to hide things, or say things I don’t mean. I don’t know what can happen. We made sure that I was able to play here, but behind, we don’t know. I have what I have at my feet. If we don’t find solutions, it will become extremely difficult. I enjoy every day that I spend here. I will continue to fight to find a solution. So far, we haven’t found it. »
