David Goffin has seen better days as a tennis professional. But the former number 7 in the world is not ready to give up yet.
by Florian Goosmann
last edited: 26.06.2024, 15:05
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The Belgian is currently only number 82 in the world and currently has to compete in the qualification at Wimbledon.
Why? When the registration deadline closed (five weeks ago), Goffin was only ranked 114th, not enough to qualify directly for the main field. But last week he won the grass challenger event in Ilkley, which put him in the top 100.
Goffin, a long-time top 20 player, had slipped due to injury, and the fact that he is making the effort of qualifying and the Challenger again has one thing in particular to do with the upcoming birth of his first daughter.
“The main reason is that I’m going to be a father in September,” the 33-year-old told wimbledon.com.
He wants to train even harder to play longer, “maybe a few more years if I stay healthy. I’m sure I still have the level for that,” he said. He wants his daughter to see him play, “I want to show her what I do.”
The tournament victory in Ilkley did him good. “When you get through a week without losing, it’s something special. Whether it’s a Masters tournament or a Challenger, the feeling is the same.”
In 2019 and 2022 he even made it to the quarter-finals at Church Road. This year at least the main field is now within reach: After his second-round qualifying victory on Wednesday, Goffin is just one win away from it.
To the qualifying draw in singles
2024-06-26 13:05:00
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