After having gained a lot of confidence in Melbourne by stringing together three consecutive successes during the qualifications for the Australian Open and then showing that he was capable of making life difficult for Frenchman Ugo Humbert (20th player in the world), David Goffin returns to Belgium and its BW Open, a tournament where he shone by winning the title last year. Enough to hope to relaunch his career, he who is now ranked beyond 100th place in the world (112th)! A reason why he made a strong decision by giving up on the Davis Cup meeting in Croatia, the Liégeois wishing to prioritize his personal ambitions with, in particular, a ticket for the Paris Olympic Games. Our No. 1 in Varaždin on February 3 and 4 will therefore be Zizou Bergs, his opponent in the 1st round in a Blocry from Louvain-la-Neuve which is preparing to refuel again. And this, from this Tuesday with, at the top of the bill, this 100% Belgian shock from 7 p.m.
David, what is your assessment of your Australian Open?
A positive result for a start to the season after a preparation which also went well. In fact, I didn’t experience any physical problems. It was important to play a few matches and, above all, to collect several victories in order to get off to a good start. I am satisfied because, even without developing my best tennis, I managed to qualify for the final draw of a Grand Slam.
What did you lack to beat Humbert?
Not much. I had a lot of opportunities in the 2nd, 3rd and at the start of the 4th set. Overall, it’s especially my beginnings of matches that I still have to try to improve. Because when the machine is started, I quickly find good sensations.
Time for the BW Open. What does this tournament mean to you?
It’s a very big Challenger. And it’s a tournament at home. There are only two during the year: Antwerp and here. Being able to defend your title there is nice. In fact, we always have a good feeling when we find a place where we won. I hope to do as well as last year.
Zizou Bergs could take away your place as 1st Belgian in the ATP rankings at the end of the week. Is the pressure greater when you know you’re facing him in the first round?
Not really. From the draw, I knew it was a difficult first round. Indeed, Zizou plays well and has a ranking close to mine. For the rest, it’s always special to face a compatriot. But it is not uncommon here given the number of Belgians present in the table.
A little Davis Cup air will hover in the Blocry. On this subject, you have just given up on traveling to Croatia. For what ?
First of all, it is important to clarify that this choice was not easy to make. But it is important to achieve some in a season. I decided to put more emphasis on my career. So it’s impossible for me to do everything. Especially since I no longer have 10 years of tennis ahead of me. I’m trying to get back to my best level. And this requires a suitable program.
Does this mean you will no longer play for Belgium?
No, I just wanted to skip it this time so as not to overload my schedule on this return from Australia. Last year, after going to Seoul with the Belgian team, I was on my knees. I also cracked my knee tendon and lost almost two to three months before the clay court.
How did you break the news to Steve Darcis?
It wasn’t easy. He would have liked to have me on his team. We discussed it calmly and he understood my motivations.
What is your current state of fitness?
It is good. It must be said that I worked a lot during the winter period before the first long trip of the season to the other side of the planet. And then, it’s always great to return to Europe even if we lose 35 degrees and we discover snow there. It’s not easy for the body. For me, the problem has been at the knees in recent years. It was therefore important to minimize the risks. This is a reason for my absence in the Davis Cup.
The year has only just begun. What are your main objectives?
Getting back into the Top 100 as quickly as possible. It remains a significant barrier. We always feel better when we manage to cross this threshold. I also hope to qualify for the Olympic Games in Paris. These are my main challenges for the next six months. Then we’ll see where I’m at. But I am always motivated to go as high as possible.
What did Yannis Demeroutis bring you during your preparation?
His experience and his experience. He was, in a way, the conductor of my prep. It was important to balance the physical part and the tennis intensity, without doing too much but still doing enough.
After the BW Open, what will the rest of your season look like?
In February, it will certainly be a little lighter with the qualifications for the Marseille tournament. Then, I leave myself the possibility of possibly taking part in another Challenger before heading to Indian Wells and Miami, my big objectives for the month of March.
How much longer do you see yourself playing?
If the body lasts, two or three years. Above all, I hope that I will still be able to shine in the biggest tournaments in the world. For now, it’s going through the Challengers. I don’t have many points to defend in the coming months. This could allow me to get closer or find myself in the Top 80. Something to concretely dream of the Olympics.
Do you still work with a mental coach?
Quite. I try to keep my mind fresh. So I am constantly in contact with him. He sometimes comes to watch my matches. He will be present this week in Louvain-la-Neuve. I hope he will be happy with me…
2024-01-22 18:34:25
#decided #put #emphasis #career
