“A year after your success here (in five sets against Novak Djokovic in the final), you are in a position to aim for the sequence of title at Roland-Garros and title at Wimbledon, which few players have been able to achieve. How do you imagine this mission?
Winning a Grand Slam is difficult obviously, but just like the transition from dirt to grass, two totally different surfaces, two totally different styles of play; but I will try to put my name on this list. It’s a big challenge for me. I have done a lot of work in recent weeks to feel comfortable and commit to this Wimbledon 100%.
“The day after my defeat at Queen’s, I started to practice my movements, my shots, in order to feel comfortable moving on grass”
Your elimination in your second match at Queen’s, against the British Jack Draper (7-6 [3]6-3), has it changed your approach?
This failure showed me that it was difficult to adapt, to move well, to realize how to play, because anything can happen on grass. The day after my defeat at Queen’s, I started training on my movements, on my shots, in order to feel comfortable moving on grass. Now, after great sessions with great players, to gauge my level, I think I’m ready to start the tournament.
What difference does it make, mainly, for you, to play on grass? Is it mostly technical?
No, technically, it doesn’t change much in my way of playing. On the other hand, a lot in terms of movement. I’m a player who slides a lot, usually, and that’s the big change. I have to be focused differently on each step I take. Details that you have to think about on each movement. But the last few training sessions have really given me confidence.”
