THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

July 2, 2022

Botic Van De Zandschulp

Press Conference

B. Van De ZANDSCHULP/R. Gasquet

7-5, 2-6, 7-6, 6-1

THE MODERATOR: Could we get your initial thoughts on the match today.

BOTIC Van De ZANDSCHULP: Yeah, I think the first three sets were pretty close. Yeah, we played some competitive tennis, and, yeah, happy I got the third set in a tiebreak, and I think that was the difference.

Yeah, I had a good spirit at the end of the third and continued in the fourth set, and I think when I broke him it was, yeah, I think it was over from the fourth set.

THE MODERATOR: Questions in English.

Q. How would you rate the level of game of Richard? When he's in good shape physically, how do you rate his ranking still can be?

BOTIC Van De ZANDSCHULP: I don't know what his ranking is at the moment. I think it's...

Q. 69, I think.

BOTIC Van De ZANDSCHULP: 69? Yeah, of course he's an amazing player when the balls are around him. Like if he doesn't have to move a lot, he's still striking the ball so well.

He's reading the game really well. I think in the first three sets he played a pretty high level.

Yeah, and I think in the fourth he started to feel it physically, as well. Yeah, but I think when he's physically good and he can keep up the level, for me, he's still a very good player and also a dangerous player.

Q. He make I think nine double in faults total and...

BOTIC Van De ZANDSCHULP: For him?

Q. Yeah, nine double faults in the first set.

BOTIC Van De ZANDSCHULP: Okay.

Q. It was I think three double faults in a row at 5-3.

BOTIC Van De ZANDSCHULP: Yeah, yeah.

Q. Key moment, as well?

BOTIC Van De ZANDSCHULP: Yeah, at 5-3, yeah, had some chances to break him back. We played a long game of 5-3, and then he had a set point and then he made three double faults in a row to give me the break back.

I think after that point, yeah, he didn't won so many points in the first set. I won 7-5. And I started really well in the beginning of the second. If I pushed a little bit harder there, I had 15-40 there. Yeah, it could have been maybe easier, but, yeah, he played some good points there to, yeah, to come back into the match.

Q. I wanted to ask you, since the US Open last year where you can reach deep in slams, what has clicked in your game that has allowed you to perform consistently at the big events?

BOTIC Van De ZANDSCHULP: Yeah, I think all the parts are falling together, fitting together. It's with the long matches on the big events, like the five sets, I feel like, yeah, I have the time during a match and I can still turn it around.

I have the feeling when during the match my game starts to come together, and, yeah, I'm striking the ball well, and I think I can keep it up like the level for the duration of the match, because I feel physically good. Yeah, that's why I have the confidence in the long matches.

So, yeah, maybe that's a reason why I play more consistently in the slams.

Q. It's possible you'll face Rafa in the next round. He hasn't played yet today. If Rafa is the opponent, how would you describe the challenge specifically for you and your game?

BOTIC Van De ZANDSCHULP: Yeah, I played him at Roland Garros. I think it's at the moment the biggest challenge in tennis to play Rafa at Roland Garros. Yeah, I think it's gonna be -- it was a tough one there, but, yeah, more confidence here to really make a shot.

Yeah, he didn't play so many matches on grass the last couple of years. You see him struggle a little bit. Of course he's winning the first few rounds. But, yeah, I think maybe I can hurt him on the grass courts here.

Q. In general, how would you describe what Rafa's legacy and accomplishment means to you?

BOTIC Van De ZANDSCHULP: Yeah, I think what he did is something, yeah, nobody is ever going to do it anymore, winning 22 Grand Slams. Maybe Djokovic is going to do it. But, yeah, winning the French 14 times, yeah, people like Alcaraz, they have to win it from next year on. I don't know. He's 19. So, yeah, if he wants to win it like 14 times, yeah, it's almost impossible.

Q. I know you have said to me before in the ATP that Nadal was quite an inspiration when you were younger. Can you recall sort of watching him play? Any matches that stand out maybe at this tournament or other tournaments when you were younger watching him?

BOTIC Van De ZANDSCHULP: Yeah, especially the one he played against Federer, the final here. I think it went pretty late, in five sets. I just cannot recall if they played the Monday after, or... They did? No? They were finishing then really late?

Yeah, that one was quite insane. I think he had match points in the fourth, and Federer hitting the backhand down the line on match point. Yeah, I think that match is standing out for me.

Q. And if he does get through later tonight, how will it feel then to play him probably on Centre Court here?

BOTIC Van De ZANDSCHULP: Yeah, never been here on Centre Court. Playing Rafa for the second time. Yeah, hopefully it's going better than the first time. Was a little bit nervous there during the beginning of the match, so yeah, hopefully I can start better off here.