“You are coming out of a complicated period, without victory. But going to compete in the Phoenix Challenger seems to have done you good…
It felt good to win matches in Phoenix, yes. I had rather had a series of defeats since the Australian Open. Even if I lost, I had a good first round against Matteo Arnaldi (7-6 [6]7-6 [3]) in the first round of Indian Wells, so it was good to go to Phoenix to keep that positive momentum going. I felt that my game was getting back into place and it was important to try to continue. With four matches under my belt, I arrived here with a little more confidence.
And you arrive for your first Miami Open telling yourself that tennis is still there.
Tennis was still there. All my life, he has been there (laughs). Afterwards, we had to get back into the rhythm of the matches. We also had to digest everything that happened at the start of the year with the Australian Open, a first selection in the Davis Cup. It was full of new experiences and helped me grow.
“It was a bit complicated to finish, but I managed to stay calm and focused”
On this first lap, there was a feeling of mastery, do you confirm?
It was a very solid match against a good player. I had to be aggressive, I managed the important moments quite well, notably saving a lot of break points (4 and only one break conceded). In the second, I was leading 5-3 and it was a bit complicated to finish, but I managed to stay calm and focused.
How did you find the conditions? I imagine you saw what happened to Arthur Cazaux.
The day Arthur felt unwell, it was particularly hot. But today (Wednesday) it was good. Conditions are good, quite slow. Which is surprising because the practice courts are quite fast.
And now it’s Casper Ruud who stands before you.
It will be a difficult match, that’s for sure, but that’s normal against such a player who has a lot of experience. I’m expecting something very complicated. But I still have one day to prepare and be ready for Friday. »
