Gilles Simon: “I want to be at the Olympic Games”

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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, itโ€™s 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, itโ€™s 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 Iโ€™m 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.

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