Herbert Looks Forward to Davis cup Return and a Post-Pandemic Roland-Garros
French tennis player Pierre-Hugues Herbert expressed his excitement about returning to the Davis Cup, a tournament he deeply cherishes. Herbert,who will partner with Nicolas Mahut in the doubles match against Ecuador’s Gonzalo escobar and Diego hidalgo,voiced his nostalgia for the pre-2020 format of the competition.
“I’m incredibly happy to be playing in France again,” Herbert shared. The past three years have been difficult,with the tournament’s cancellation in 2020 and subsequent format changes leaving a void for players like Herbert who experienced the Davis Cup’s unique atmosphere in its previous iteration.
This year’s Davis Cup offers a chance to reconnect with the tournament’s past, a sentiment echoed by many players who fondly remember the pre-reform era.
adding to Herbert’s joy is the recent announcement lifting France’s vaccination pass requirement,effective March 14th. this decision allows unvaccinated players like Herbert and Novak Djokovic to participate in Roland-Garros in May.
“It’s fantastic news,” Herbert remarked. “We’ve all been through a challenging period, regardless of vaccination status. The government’s decision, based on improving figures, suggests we’re possibly emerging from the pandemic. I sincerely hope so.”
While cautiously optimistic about the pandemic’s trajectory, Herbert acknowledges the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, recognizing the complexities of the current global landscape.”It’s been a truly difficult two years,” he reflected.”Even though I’m onyl 30, I haven’t experienced anything quite like this in my lifetime. We’re all navigating these unprecedented times together, and I’m hopeful that we can move forward from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
A Heart For Davis Cup: An Interview with Pierre-Hugues Herbert
We’re thrilled to welcome French tennis star Pierre-Hugues Herbert to the show today. Pierre-Hugues, welcome!
Pierre-Hugues Herbert:
Thanks for having me!
Moderator:
It’s great to have you. You’ve recently expressed your enthusiasm about the Davis Cup’s revival, particularly the opportunity to return to the tournament’s conventional format.Can you elaborate on what makes the pre-2020 Davis Cup so special?
Pierre-Hugues Herbert:
Absolutely. For me, it’s the pure essence of team spirit. That old format, with the home-and-away ties, brought a unique energy. The crowds were electric, the pressure was immense, and the camaraderie between teammates was truly something special.
Moderator:
I can see why you might be nostalgic for those days. It’s a stark contrast to the current, more condensed format.
Pierre-hugues Herbert:
It is indeed different. While the new format has its advantages,there’s a certain magic to that classic Davis Cup that’s hard to replicate.
Moderator:
I understand. Now, shifting gears a bit, France’s decision to drop the vaccination pass requirement for Roland Garros must be a relief. How has the pandemic impacted you personally as a tennis player?
Pierre-Hugues Herbert:
It’s been a rollercoaster, to be honest. The constant uncertainty,the travel restrictions,the fear of contracting the virus – it’s taken a toll on all of us.
Moderator:
I can imagine. And now with the easing of restrictions, are you cautiously optimistic about returning to a sense of normalcy in the tennis world?
Pierre-Hugues Herbert:
I am, but guardedly so. We’ve all experienced firsthand how quickly things can change. The pandemic is far from over, especially with the ongoing crisis in Ukraine adding another layer of complexity.
Moderator:
A very poignant point. We’ve seen the world navigate unprecedented challenges these past two years. what are your hopes for the future of tennis, both on and off the court.
Pierre-Hugues Herbert:
My hope is that we can rebuild a sense of community, not just within the tennis world but globally. we need to remember that sport unites us, that it transcends borders.
Moderator:
Beautifully said, Pierre-Hugues. Thank you for sharing your insights and your optimism. We wish you the best of luck in the Davis Cup and at Roland Garros.
Pierre-hugues Herbert:
Thank you!
Moderator:
To our viewers, what are your thoughts on the return of the Davis Cup in its classic format? And how do you feel about the easing of restrictions for unvaccinated players like Pierre-Hugues?
Let us know in the comments below!
