My victory at the Pau Challenger in February which allowed me to enter the top 100 after a complicated start to the year with four consecutive defeats. This success also allowed me to access the main draw of the Grand Slams. Then my victory against Casper Ruud at the US Open. This performance unlocked something in me in terms of my confidence. This allowed me to tell myself that I was capable of achieving good things regardless of the opponent. The third, I would say the Davis Cup in Australia. I beat Alex de Minaur then managed to manage the pressure to bring the decisive point to Belgium.
I don’t always enjoy life on the circuit.”
What impact did your thumb injury have in May, which deprived you of Roland-Garros? ?
This led to frustration because I was starting to find my rhythm, I was playing well. I focused on the essentials with work to recover as quickly as possible. I also redid a physical block. You should know that I am someone who sometimes finds life on the circuit a little difficult with the travel and absences. It felt good to be at home a little. These parameters can explain my good second half of the season.
Your coach, Steve Darcis, talks about confirmation season in 2026. How are you approaching it ?
I had already been told that for 2025 after my good end to the year 2024. And finally I was a little more than confirmed. I don’t worry. I am working in the right direction. I hope to do better in 2026 than in 2025.
Steve Darcis launches the season
What aspects are you working on to improve? ?
Being a little more offensive, automating my forward play, more finishing points at the net. We know that deep down, I am strong, that I can last a long time. But at a certain level, you have to go for the points. This is what I still have trouble doing. We’re working on it. We changed my serve a little to have a little more precision, a little more strength. And mentally, I am learning to manage stress better. It’s already better. In the past I have sometimes missed the start of matches because of this pressure. My room for improvement is still great in many areas.
Where do you get these dispositions for a more defensive game when you are over 1.90m tall? ?
When I was a child, I was one of the smallest. I had to hit a lot, field and fight a lot to win my matches. Putting the ball in the field, not making mistakes, these are the leitmotifs that motivated me. It’s this style that sometimes still plays tricks on me.
According to our information, a new member has joined your staff…
Yes, a stats specialist. I’m now playing against stronger guys, every detail can make the difference. This person will analyze my opponents and we will try to use this work to be better. He’s already sent some numbers to Steve and it’s consistent.
With your ranking, what program have you planned for the start of the season? ?
I’m not yet anchored in the top 100. I’m going to do a little more ATP but I’m going to continue to mix with big Challengers. The program will adapt based on the results. At the start of the season, I will participate in the qualifiers in Brisbane and Adelaide (ATP 250) then participate in the Australian Open. Then there will be the Davis Cup.
Steve has my back, sometimes it’s hard to accept, but it’s necessary.”
What is your relationship with Steve Darcis who does not hesitate to shake you up?
He knows how to make me react and I need that, someone who has my back. Even if sometimes I have trouble accepting it. But it’s true that I tend to let myself go a little and he understood that. This is why our collaboration works so well. It’s more than a coach-player relationship. I realized everything he had been telling me for years. That I was capable of beating good players. Sometimes I found it hard to believe it. I have complete confidence in him, his legitimacy is incredible.
Raphaël Collignon’s success comes at a cost: “More than 100,000 euros per year”
Have you realized that you have to work hard to avoid missing out on great opportunities? ?
Oui ! Sometimes it’s hard to get up in the morning to go and train. Everyone sees the beautiful side of tennis when you win matches, but there is so much work behind it, absences for loved ones. Sometimes I get tired of it. But I don’t want to live with regrets. Now is the time to work.
