At Roland Garros,
The scenario of the final
“Stefanos (Tsitsipas) was playing his first Grand Slam final, he didn't have much to lose, I knew he was probably going to start the match well.
The first set was close, and he could have rocked both sides, but he was the best in the key moments.
I put my foot down in the second set physically and mentally.
Then I went for a break like after being led two sets to nothing by Musetti (in the eighth), and I came back with a different frame of mind.
I managed to make the break quickly in the third.
Then I felt that I had entered his head, that the match was turning on my side. ”
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His fall in the first set
“I actually felt the impact of that fall for about half an hour. I was in a bit of pain, but nothing really bad, nothing that would bother me in the long run. When you fall this way, it can disrupt your pace. I had a little trouble finding the rhythm of the serve afterwards. Nothing that takes away from Stefanos the quality of his tennis which made him win the first two sets. "
The Saving Pause
“There are always two voices within you.
The first tells you that you can't do it, that it's over.
This voice was quite strong after the second set.
I felt it was time for me to give the other voice a chance and delete the first one.
I told myself that I could do it, I repeated it to myself, I tried to live it with my whole being. "
Read also: Djokovic overthrows Tsitsipas for a second coronation at Roland Garros
His place in the history of the game
“To be part of the history of the sport that thrills me and that I love with all my heart is incredible for me.
I am very proud to have won my second Musketeers Cup.
I couldn't be happier with the storyline of the last 48 hours, they are arguably in the top 3 of my accomplishments and experiences as a tennis player.
I managed to survive a four hour battle against Rafa (Nadal) on his court, then managed to bounce back today for another four and a half hour battle against Tsitsipas after not training on Saturday ... "
To read also: Tsitsipas: "Despite the defeat, I have faith in my game"
Records and the possibility of a calendar Grand Slam
“Yes, I am Roger and Rafa's 'one stepcloser' for the Grand Slam titles. But now I would especially like to party with my family, because it's a great success for me at Roland Garros. I achieved things that a lot of people thought was impossible. I'm in a good position for the Golden Slam. I will be planning on Wimbledon in a few days. In 2016 I could aim for the Golden Slam but I lost in the 3rd round at Wimbledon. And then we only have two weeks before Wimbledon, which is not ideal. Of course, I'm aiming for the title there. I won in 2018 and 2019, I hope I can continue this momentum. I like the game on grass. I believe that over the years, I have improved. I hope to be able to surf with the current confidence. ”