ROLAND GARROS

June 3, 2024

Francisco Cerundolo

Press Conference

N. DJOKOVIC/F. Cerundolo

6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3

THE MODERATOR: Questions in English.

Q. A tough one there. Just wondered if you could sort of describe how tough it is playing Novak even on this surface that we don't think is his best but he's such a tough player on clay as well and what that was like.

FRANCISCO CERUNDOLO: Yeah, thank you. Well, it's really toughest guy ever play tennis. First set I was just figuring out how to win a point, how to play against him, because I was so uncomfortable on court. After that I think I started playing better.

Yeah, it was a great battle. He always finds a way to come back and play his best tennis at the toughest moments and at the end of every match. So yeah, it is what it is. I did my best. I was so close, but I couldn't win it. He show again why he's the best.

Q. What did he do to make you feel so uncomfortable?

FRANCISCO CERUNDOLO: No, no, he plays so deep, he moves you all over the court with every single shot. Just a few points I was in attack or dictating the point. That's why he's so tough to play. I had to hit my best shot every single time. If not, he puts you in a defensive position or in a not comfortable position to figure my best shots. So probably that's why. If you don't hit well, he crush you. He hits really good strokes.

Q. How did his injury disturb you? Did you think he might quit the game?

FRANCISCO CERUNDOLO: No, it's not my position to say what was he has. I don't know what he has, if he has something or not. He didn't disturb me. He had some falls, but I don't know what he really has, but it's tennis. I had to be focused on my game and what I was doing.

I tried to do that. Doesn't matter if he call the physio or whatever. Every player has their own injuries or pains during the game, and you just have to pay attention to yourself and try to do your best.