What moment in your career are you most proud of?
I have two. The first is when I played Roger Federer for the first time at the US Open in the round of 16 in 2006. I skip three laps and beat Juan Carlos Ferrero and Gaston Gaudio, two former winners of Roland Garros . Finishing on Federer, world number 1, was the icing on the cake. Being next to him before hitting the pitch and hitting the warm-up balls was pretty impressive even though I was there “not to respect him”. The start of the match was very complicated, I took three shutouts in a row. There was still a match, I lost 6-3, 7-6, 6-3. I told him at the end that it was an honor to have been able to face him. I then had the opportunity to play him at Indian Wells, where I asked him for his polo shirt of the match: my mother had asked me.
And the second?
It might sound weird, but it’s a defeat! It was the same year, at Roland-Garros. Already, by passing the first lap, I know that I am entering the first 100 in the ATP ranking! In the second round, I lost against Nicolas Kiefer, who was then 13th in the world. I was led two sets-zero (6-0, 6-1) after 35-40 minutes, I manage to come back to two sets everywhere (7-5, 6-3) and I end up losing 9-11 in 5th set. I loved this moment. I wasn’t even disappointed that I lost. It is one of the best atmospheres I have known.
Is Federer the strongest player you have met?
Yes, from all points of view. When I played Novak Djokovic, he was not at his peak. The only regret I have is not having played Rafael Nadal (in singles), whom I also like a lot.
Which opponent did you hate to face? And, which one did you like to play?
I didn’t like playing Nikolay Davydenko at all. He played a little “ping-pong” as they say, close to his line, I couldn’t find the solutions at all. Otherwise, I enjoyed playing Steve Darcis, we got along well off and on the court. When we see each other, we take a look at the matches we have played against each other!
Is there a doubles partner you dreamed of?
Patrick Rafter (the Australian won the US Open in 1997 and 1998). I really liked the person, what he gave off on the pitch, his quite spectacular game. He looked super nice, very simple.
How would you like to play in the present day?
Yes ! The level has really increased compared to my time. It would be interesting to face this new generation: the Zverevs, Thiem, Auger-Aliassime, and others. And we will not kid ourselves, there is also a question of prize money: we took around 15,000 euros when we played a first round of the Grand Slam. Today, it’s limited what there is to gain in the first round of qualifying!
What’s the biggest laugh of your career?
It wasn’t really a giggle because I was not well. I played against Benjamin Becker in Halle in 2007. He sends me a serve at more than 200 km / h very badly placed (in the testicles). I found myself doubled over on the floor. The physiotherapist made me slap my buttocks on the ground, put ice in my boxers, it made everyone laugh. I was nauseous the whole game but won. Afterwards, I spent the worst evening of my life: I had vagal discomfort, I had spasms. The next day, I gave up, because I had no energy.
What day did you decide to quit your career?
I quit in 2014, but there is no specific day or time. I knew I was going to stop on the Rennes challenger, near Saint-Brieuc, where my parents live. I had a harder time getting up in the morning and going to work, even though I was doing very well physically at 37.
Who is the loved one who has counted the most in your journey?
It’s hard to take just one… There are my first coaches who trained me: Jean Fortin and Philippe Delsol. There is also the former president of the ATG (Amicale Tennis du Griffon) Saint-Brieuc, Patrick Le Bacquer: he did everything to help me. He brought in a negative player at -30 so that I could practice, that I had good opposition to be able to progress. He set up a Future tournament in the club, I benefited from several wild cards… He was really behind me to push me to the highest level.
Is there a choice you would change?
(He cuts) There isn’t one. I have an atypical career insofar as I started the circuit very late, between 24 and 25 years old, because players generally start at 17-18 years old. I didn’t have that motivation at all, that desire to travel and go abroad every week. I played French tournaments in Normandy, Brittany, Pays de la Loire, and I was a student in Staps at Insep, where I served at the time as a training partner for young people, Mahut, Benneteau, Simon, Tsonga. I was very well in this way of life. If I had started maybe a year or two earlier, I might have quit and I wouldn’t have experienced the career I was able to have.
Which city has marked you with its atmosphere?
I like the United States, especially the US Open. New York is an electric city, with an audience that loves the show, sets the mood … And when we went out at night, with all those lights in Times Square, there were always people, it was always lively. Many other players enjoy the quieter city of Melbourne. Me, I prefer New York!
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