The Frenchwoman, unaccustomed to the spotlight, did not hide her amazement after bringing down the American legend at Wimbledon.
At Wimbledon,
On his preparation for the match
“When the draw came out, everyone said to me: “Oh, you play Serena Williams!” And suddenly, I cut all social networks because there were so many messages… I didn’t want to pollute my head with that. At the beginning I didn’t really believe in the central of Wimbledon against such a legend of the game. I told myself that if I already won one or two games, it would be great. I started telling myself that I could do it as the game went on. After winning the first set, I believed in it but without really believing it. And finally I got there. »
About Serena
“At first I wasn’t necessarily happy to come across her, then I thought it was an incredible opportunity to play on a legendary court like the Center Court. It’s impressive to play Serena Williams. Before entering the court, I was at his side. And she impressed me because she is imposing. I was a bit scared. But very quickly I felt her nervous at the start of the match. But after a year without playing, she is still playing at an impressive level.
On the last set
“I felt she was starting to get tense even when she was leading 3-1. She made a few mistakes. She passed less first balls. I picked up at 3-3. I stuck to it until the end. And I went to get this great tie-break. I realized, without really realizing. I raised my arms, unsure. It was when I saw my box in joy that I understood!
On the center
“It was a first for me. I had never had the opportunity to train on it. When I arrived on the court, the atmosphere was very special. I had never felt that on other Grand Slams. It was a bit mystical. It didn’t strain me because when the spectators are close, you don’t have the impression that the court is big.
Read alsoWimbledon: Harmony Tan creates the feat against Serena Williams
His strategy
“I wanted to make her move as much as possible by varying the heights. And emphasizing forehands. I wanted to destabilize her with my game which is quite atypical. She was tired at the end of the game. It was more complicated in his movements on my drop shots.
On the grass
“This is my first season on grass. I find it very pleasant. I didn’t know I could play well on it!”
On the importance of this victory
“Beating a great player like that is important. Even if it’s not an end in itself but it’s certainly the best victory of my career.
On Serena the legend
“To still play at 40 in women’s tennis is incredible, I admire her. She may still play a few more years for a 24e Grand Slam (smiles). He was not a childhood idol like Justin Hénin or Barty. But it is certainly one of the greatest in history.
SEE ALSO – The acrobatic return of Bamba Dieng with OM in Strasbourg last December (0-2)