SYDNEY TENNIS CLASSIC

January 11, 2022

Maxime Cressy

Press Conference

M. CRESSY/A. Mannarino

6-3, 7-5

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. How are you feeling at the moment? Is the level of excitement still there or have you calmed down a little bit?

MAXIME CRESSY: Yeah, of course I was a little excited after the Rafa match. A little painful match for me, but I moved on pretty quickly.

Yesterday I was a bit excited, but I got myself down really quickly. I knew that if I wasn't able to get to neutral position, today would not have gone well.

Q. We see so often when a new or a young player has a big result, they come back the next time and there is a letdown, they lose. What did you do? What did you do to maintain your composure?

MAXIME CRESSY: I think I inspire myself from Rafa. I was impressed by his attitude and his dedication to always be prepared and no matter what be very vigilant, and I think I'm inspiring myself from him, and to be always disciplined. Everyone is good and everyone can play well, and I always have to play my best tennis of the day.

Q. Pretty amazing. I was looking at your record. This time last year you were I think 171. You shaved about 100 places off your ranking. You have had some great results. What do you put it down to specifically?

MAXIME CRESSY: The mental side. I change a lot, had a mental shift before the US Open. I started to be much more stable in my personal life, and it translate on the court to being much more consistent on the court, yeah.

Q. Your nickname is Lacressy?

MAXIME CRESSY: Lacressy. Yes, in France they call me Lacressy, yes. They call my big brother Lacressy, so they call me Lacressy too.

Q. Do you identify yourself -- I know you're playing under the United States -- more as an American or a bit more French?

MAXIME CRESSY: Well, I would answer I'm more American presently, but I did grow up in France, and I have like both families, French, and my mom's side, American side. But, no, I consider myself both French and American, but I chose to represent the U.S., yeah.

Q. Next round you have Dusan Lajovic. What are your thoughts going into that one?

MAXIME CRESSY: I consider every player the same. For me, every opponent is just as tough. I always have to bring out my best tennis.

No, tomorrow I feel very confident, yeah.