“You beat Novak Djokovic for the first time in your career. What has changed compared to the other matches?
As I always say, when you are young, you can only progress. My program this year was good because I was able to train a lot, even during tournaments. There were also tournaments that I gave up to be able to train, to work physically. It really helped me stay fresh at the end of the season. Not just from a physical point of view, but also from a mental point of view. I’m ready to play, even though I know the end of the season is coming. After the Wimbledon semi-final, I felt like I was getting closer, even though I lost in three sets. I felt closer than when I lost in five sets the year before. But today I might as well have lost in two sets, you never know in this sport. But I had confidence and I knew I could have a great match.
You’ve played a lot of big matches this year, but can we say that this one was special?
If we put everything together, playing the world No. 1 in Turin, the guy who won 24 Grand Slams, in such an atmosphere, I think this match is at the top, yes. But even though I lost, it was a great match. For me, it was important to have a big match and to feel close to his level. In my head, I know now that I can win against him. Yes, it’s a special match. »
