“It was a fun game…
(he cuts) I did not serve well. And I can’t explain why. I have to do better. Even making first-second balls, it didn’t work. I do not pass firsts, and I can do doubles. Afterwards, it puts you in a particular match, with one of my biggest weapons which is “dead”. I am less good in my tactics. I manage to come back, I repeat doubles… Otherwise I was fine. I try to pack the game, because we have to find a solution. I just wanted to make life a little harder for him. And the solution came with the public, who pushed me. It gave me adrenaline. I went for it a little more from 2-2 in the third set. If I manage to take his serve at the start of the fourth, I want to ask him the question. I see that he’s starting to get angry… But I don’t necessarily make the right choices and played him quickly.
Overall, do you think you are at the level of these players?
I’m going to be 37 and you know why I’m happy after this tour? Because I’m not hurt. It was my obsession. I made big matches, and I leave as I came. Afterwards, on the level, I feel good. I didn’t play like that two and a half months ago. You have to hold on well. I hope to move up the rankings.
How are you going to handle the end of the season?
I play the UTS in Frankfurt, and the Laver Cup. Then I take a break and I will only play indoor tournaments at the end of the year. UTS, because Patrick (Mouratoglou, who organizes this exhibition in a different format) extended his hand to me inviting me when I was hurt. And the Laver Cup is Rodge (Federer). I wanted to live that, and he took me by the feelings. He’s my guy. I want to love it, it’s almost the end. When he proposed to me, I said to him: ”Are you sure ? I’m not Top 10, what! It moved me. He felt that I had the level of play, and the personality. In the meantime I will stay here to help my wife (Elina Svitolina, still qualified). On Friday, I won’t be hitting with her, but for the warm-up, I’ll be there for her next match. Priority to Madame to go and do something nice. »