World No. 14 Arthur Fils shared his thoughts after defeating Jaume Munar in the second round of Roland Garros with a score of 7/6(3), 7/6(4), 2/6, 0/6, 6/4.
– How did you spend the three hours after the match? What were you doing?
I focused on recovery. I took contrast baths (hot and cold), then had physical therapy and a massage. After that, I had lunch and talked a bit with my family. And now I`m here for the press conference.
– How are you feeling physically after such a tough match?
I feel a bit tired, my legs are heavy, but it`s not as bad as I expected. I thought it would be worse, but for now, I`m holding up. We`ll see how I feel tomorrow morning, but right now, I`m okay.
– We heard you were having some issues with your back. Is that true?
Yes, that`s true (smiles). My back has been bothering me since I was young, so I`m used to it. Plus, I had some minor cramps – basically, a whole collection of issues. Not the most pleasant combination, but I`m managing.
– Do you think you could have won the fifth set on a different court with a different crowd?
Honestly? No. Here, on this court, the atmosphere was the deciding factor. Without it, I might not have even finished the match, let alone won.
– What did you feel in the fifth set, drawing strength not only from yourself but also from the energy of the stands? Especially when the crowd started singing the anthem at 5-4 – how did you manage not to cry right there on the court?
It was something incredible. I`ve never experienced anything like it before. I played at the Paris Masters, and the atmosphere there was amazing too, but this match was on another level entirely. This court might be the best in the world. The stands literally carried me to victory. If we were playing somewhere in Asia or another place, I`m not sure I would have even been able to finish the match, let alone win. The crowd, the atmosphere, a bit of luck – everything came together, and I managed it.
– Did you always know you could be this resilient, or was this match a revelation for you?
I`ve always known I`m tough, man (laughs). It`s in my blood – my parents raised me to always fight until the end. Today was a difficult day, but I was ready to battle. Sometimes I win, sometimes I lose, but the main thing is I always fight. That`s what matters, Fils said after the match.
Marcus Prine