N-P: Two events have marked the last seven days for you. Let’s go back to the main one, the victory over Federer in the second round in Toronto on Wednesday.
G.S.: At the moment, there are a lot of things to remember (laughs). Against him, it was unreal. He was impressive at the beginning. He quickly led 4-0 before I let go of the pressure and held my service games, eventually losing the first set 6-2. I told myself not to give up and to get into the fight. Besides, it was playing very fast. Federer was attempting more difficult shots, while I was solid. That’s what allowed me to win.
N-P: At what point did you think you could win?
G.S.: In the second, I thought I could take a set, but I feared finishing the match. Before, I hadn’t projected myself. At the start of the third, he broke early and led 3-1. I stayed close until the end. I came back to 4-3 for him, then led 5 games to 4, so in a position to win, even though he was serving. It was all very fast at that point. I wasn’t thinking about the fact that I had a match point. I just wanted to continue. At 0-40, I was relaxed and maintained the rally, waiting for his error.
N-P: And then, itโs an explosion of joy.
G.S.: I’m often criticized for not being very expressive on the court. I was tense at the end, so just one shout and then I let go.
N-P: The other big moment is the victory in Indianapolis.
G.S.: I went there as if it was a preparation tournament. I arrived on Friday to start on Monday; I wasn’t playing well. But at the same time, I had no pressure, I was playing relaxed. That’s what allowed me to beat good hard-court players.
N-P: It mainly seems like this series of victories is due to a psychological evolution more than your play.
G.S.: It’s true that it’s mainly mental that has evolved. I draw less from my physical reserves because I’m relaxed on the court. It’s the first time that I’m going through a series of matches, and every morning I tell myself that I’m playing a Masters Series match later on.
N-P: Let’s talk about the Olympic Games. What does it mean for you to represent your country in such an event?
G.S.: It’s important. It’s rare in a season or even in a career. You’re still alone on the court, but playing for your country is rare, so it’s an appealing event.
N-P: What do you think you’ll feel entering the Olympic Stadium?
G.S.: I don’t know. I prefer not to project myself. I’ve only seen the Games on TV. I want to be there.
N-P: Gasquet refused to play in Beijing three months ago. Without judging, what do you think?
G.S.: Everyone makes their own choice, and as you said, itโs not for me to judge. You have to respect everyone’s opinions. Richard doesn’t want to make a long trip to China to be in shape for the US Open (in September in New York, Editor’s Note). If he does great there, everyone will say he was right.
N-P: When is the departure to China scheduled?
G.S.: We’re leaving on Tuesday right after the Cincinnati final, which means August 5th for arrival on the evening of the 6th. As for me, if I don’t get far in Cincinnati, I’ll go home to rest in Switzerland.
N-P: How did you experience the events that shook China a few months ago with the threat of boycotts?
G.S.: Politics and the Games are different. It’s a shame to hold the Games hostage, especially since we have competitions in China at other times of the year, and no one says anything. But Iโm not afraid that things will go wrong. I’m just waiting to be there.
N-P: Eight years ago, Arnaud Di Pasquale finished third in Sydney; you were 15 years old.
G.S.: True, I wasn’t thinking about the Games. Four years ago, I was 20, but I was ranked 200th in the world. Everyone tells me I could play again in four years. But I don’t know where I’ll be then, so I want to make the most of Beijing.
Note: Gilles Simon will play his first-round match at the Masters Series in Cincinnati tomorrow against Nicolas Kiefer, who defeated him in the semi-final in Toronto on Saturday.