“You went to the net thirty times against Lorenzo Musetti (7-5, 6-3). Is this an indication of what you want to do more of on this surface?
I didn’t feel like I went to the net that many times, but it was necessary to try to be as aggressive as possible against a player like Musetti, who is very good in defense. He was the best player for eight games. Then at 4-3, the match changed. I really had a good interaction with the crowd (when he was whistled), and from that moment on, he maybe lost his concentration a little, he made a few unforced errors, and the momentum shifted. exchange. I feel like from that point on I was playing better and was able to put together the type of game I really wanted tactically. But it was very physical. I had a bit of trouble on the pitch myself. But I like the way I’m playing compared to last year. I think I’m playing better.
“If people start to react in a way that I don’t think they deserve, that I don’t think is fair, and if I don’t think it’s ‘explainable,’ then I will react. »
You say you were having a bit of physical trouble. We saw you shaking on the bench. Nothing important ?
At certain times during the match, I didn’t feel very well physically. But this is also part of the process of the first matches on clay. When you play against someone as strong as Musetti, it can happen that you suffer and you have to find a way out. I have sucessfully done it. That’s what matters most. I’m already feeling good things on the pitch these last few days.
You just mentioned what you call “interaction” with the public. Often you win after…
I try to transform the energy into something constructive for me. I’m not looking for trouble with the crowd. You know, I’m not here to say, “Okay, start whistling at me and I’ll play better.” That’s not the kind of mentality I have. But if people start reacting in a way that I don’t think they deserve, that I don’t think is right, and if I don’t think it’s “explainable”, then I will react. I grew up with this mentality that if someone hurts you, you fight back.
Does it allow you to be more focused?
It depends. Sometimes more focused, sometimes more relaxed. There, it happened at the right time. It’s one of those things that somehow relaxes you. »
