The Match of Titans “The difference? I played a little better than him. When we play better, we have more chances. When we play less well, we have fewer chances; and in this case, when I played well, I won. And when I play less well, I have a lot more difficulties. During one set, I didn’t play well, so I lost. After the first set and a half I started to improve, I was much more aggressive. I played well at the end of the second set. And the third set was very good for me, I think, and I made a big mistake at the start of the fourth when the situation had already turned; and then I took control of the game. And I suffered. What matters most is that I played 5 sets again and the last 3-4 games I played very well.”
On Felix Auger-Aliassime “I completely respect Felix. He is playing better and better. If we can’t push him back to his limits, it’s very difficult to control him because his serve is very strong and his forehand is really very aggressive.
On the clash against Djokovic “The last game against him, I think it was last year here (lost in four sets in the semi-finals). This was the last test. This is going to be a really big challenge for me. And then he’s already won, I think, the last nine games in a row. There was Rome and there he wins every night in 3 sets. He is full of confidence. I will fight, that’s all. I can’t complain, I’m in the quarter-finals at Roland-Garros. Two and a half weeks ago, although I had high hopes after Rome, I didn’t even know if I could be there. So, already, I take full advantage of it. I’m happy to be here another year; and then, to be honest, every game I play here may be, who knows, my last game at Roland-Garros or in my career.”
On the coronation of Real “I was lucky to be able to go out to see the match. I was happy to go to the first Champions League final in my life and my team won. And the way they won, I think it’s unforgettable because every game played by Real Madrid is something special. Courtois was amazing, I couldn’t see the party afterwards because unfortunately there was a delay, as you know, of half an hour and I was like, “Hey, that’s the time for me to go to bed, “at the end of the game!”
On his physical condition “I went through some tough times, with my foot and all that. I don’t know what may happen in the near future. In my career, I don’t know. And that’s why I try to make the most of it and fight on the court. I hope I can give myself a chance to play at the highest possible level; and then we’ll see what happens.”
