At Roland-Garros,
On his victory in five sets
“I stayed calm, I managed to stay there mentally despite losing the third set.
Afterwards, he played well in the fourth.
I didn't manage to take the shock at the end of the third set but I was happy to keep my cool for the entire game.
Even though I lost the third and fourth set, which I feel I played better, to have been more in control.
I felt comfortable in my game. Frankly, we can't say enough good things about his game, especially in the fourth set. "
About Tsitsipas
“There were plenty of opportunities to break his serve in the fourth set and finish the game early, but he's a combative player.
He's one of the best on the tour right now.
He was fighting to validate his ticket to the final for the first time in a Grand Slam.
He wanted to win the match.
He did it with a lot of brio.
He was running out of fuel at the end.
In the fifth set, I was able to conclude once and for all ”.
On his final against Nadal
“Rafa is a favorite.
It's my house.
He has won this tournament so many times.
He has lost twice here in his entire career in over one hundred matches ... I lost six times ru seven against him at Roland Garros, I won in 2015 in 3 dry sets.
It's the match that serves as a reference, I use it to build up confidence and use a tactical game plan.
I am not physically exhausted after this game tonight.
It was an uphill battle, but I feel good.
After a day and a half, I will have enough time to recover properly.
I am looking forward to this showdown. "
On his rivalry with Nadal
“I played more against him than any other player.
He's my biggest rival.
We have played so many exciting games together.
We have a lot of respect for each other.
We have to be at our best to compete against each other.
Beyond that, we shouldn't see more.
We are experienced enough to tackle matches of this magnitude, keeping a cool head. "
On the playing conditions
“The conditions are different, of course, from those we are used to when we have the tournament in May or June.
I think that might give me a chance to win, because the rebound won't go over the shoulder like it usually does.
We know that the conditions, that the circumstances are different from what we are used to.
It will be interesting to see how his game and my game compete on Sunday.
Depending on the temperature, it affects the court a lot, the rebound, seeing if it's going to be windy, if it's going to be slippery.
So, mentally, physically, our game will be affected. "
On the stakes of the final
“I don't think this was the greatest game I have ever played in my life.
There have been bigger ones in terms of importance, if I have to compare, although I don't like to do that.
Probably the first Wimbledon final I played was the one I really wanted to win as a kid.
It was my childhood dream.
In 2016 also against Murray in the final.
It is of some importance when I play finals, Roland-Garros more than other Grand Slams, because it is the tournament that I have won the least in my career.
I am therefore extremely motivated to get my hands on a new trophy. ”
On its year 2020
“It's the icing on the cake, as you like to say.
I hope I can play my best tennis because that's what I'm going to need to have a chance.
I am able to achieve it.
We are in the last game of this tournament against my biggest competitor.
I've been in this situation before, I know what needs to be accomplished, I need to prepare myself, I'm looking forward to it.
Beating Nadal at Roland Garros is the biggest challenge. ”
Read also
Roland-Garros 2020: Calendar / Results