“It was a solid match where nothing had to be let go.
Above all, it was a bit of a weird match with a lot of mistakes. The conditions were difficult, it was cold, it was windy and we had trouble finding our game together. But in the important moments, I knew how to be solid. Even at the end, when I was starting to get tense or when I was unbreaking, I got myself back. I’m quite happy with my attitude throughout the game. Especially since the conditions were really different from my first match (victory over Richard Gasquet) where it was very hot, like during the days when we trained. It was different, but here I have the impression that we can have several changes of temperature and climate in the same day. It’s impressive and you have to adapt. But we’re a bit used to it.
The transition from grass, where you won a title in Newport, and hard was not easy since you hadn’t won a game before Cincinnati. Now it’s done.
I lost twice in the first round, yes. In Washington, I was leading 5-2 in the first set (against Jordan Thompson) and I have to win the first set at least. In Toronto, I have a set point that I get stolen (against Taro Daniel). Yes, I could have started the tour better, but it’s a coincidence. But I have trained well since my loss in Toronto and we have prepared well for this tournament. So, it’s nice to see that things are going well from the start here.
Each victory also consolidates the ranking and confirms that you are seeded at the US Open. Do you think about it?
Yes, it’s always more comfortable to approach a tournament by being seeded. Now there are also very good players who are not in the top 32. As a result, that does not guarantee an easy painting. But considering the draw by telling yourself that you can’t take one of the 32 best, it’s always pleasant. But I also have a title to defend next week in Winston-Salem, so I try not to think too much about the standings. But it is sure that each victory is good to take. »