Wheelchair tennis – Gustavo Fernandez: 'A privilege to play here'
Impressive in his opening match, the Argentine third seed did not hide his satisfaction and delight at returning to the courts in Paris.
Winner of the WC1000 French Riviera Open at the start of October and runner-up at the WC500 Open Paratennis du Loiret a fortnight ago, Gustavo Fernandez is clearly enjoying his time in France. Through to the semi-finals following his emphatic 6-0, 6-1 victory over Guilhem Laget in just 49 minutes, the Argentine can now set his sights even higher.
How are you feeling after this impressive opening win?
As the match went on, I started feeling better and better on court. It took me a little time to adapt to the conditions, which are very different from last year’s. It was important to play a good match and get into a rhythm. Overall, I’m very happy with the way everything started.
Do these faster courts suit your game?
Generally speaking, I prefer slower courts, but I think last year’s conditions were probably a bit too slow because of the balls and the surface. This year, the balance is much better. It’s a little faster, but once you find your bearings and your rhythm, it’s really enjoyable to play. You can have fun out there, and I think that will show.
What does it mean to you to compete at the Rolex Paris Masters?
It’s always a pleasure. As a sport, we are constantly trying to grow, improve and raise our profile, so being part of this tournament in Paris is important. It doesn’t matter that the conditions are different from last week or from next week’s tournament (the Wheelchair Tennis Finals will be played on clay in Barcelona). It’s a privilege to play here and we’re all very happy to be part of this event.
You've enjoyed some excellent results recently. How would you assess your season?
It’s been a very special year for me because my first child was born in the middle of the season! There have been a lot of emotions to deal with. It’s not always easy, but becoming a father is something incredible. It’s the best thing that has ever happened to me. Overall, I’ve managed to stay healthy, both mentally and physically, throughout the year. I’m in good shape heading into this final stretch of the season and that’s very satisfying. This week and next week are very important, so I hope I can keep building on this momentum. The key is to maintain this level and see whether I can raise it even further as I look ahead to next season.