With action fast and furious in Paris, here are some of the best quotes from Days 1 and 2
Stefanos Tsitsipas, on the difference between the Federer, Nadals and Djokovics of the world compared to all the other players.
“I know that with them I have to be twice more focused and not give points away. They control the court so well. They know what they're doing. They know where they're playing, so everything is actually counted on these small details. I have seen the difference when I play the rest of the guys and them. They don't overplay, don't do crazy things. But they play so right, and they always actually are confident with themselves, with anything they are doing. I think that's the difference that I have seen.”
Our Take:
One day young players might be saying this about Tsitsipas…
Sloane Stephens on her success in tiebreakers this season.
"I don't think about it. I'm just, like, Okay. Fu- -- now I'm going to start thinking about it. What do I do? I don't even know. Oh, God, now they're going to give me a fine."
Our Take:
Anytime we have players throwing F-bombs in press, we’re happy.
Nicolas Mahut, on his comeback from two sets down against Marco Cecchinato.
“It is by far my best victory in Roland Garros, in a French tournament, I hadn't had many. And playing on this extraordinary court, I felt that if there was a possibility of playing on this court, it would be incredible and there would be an incredible atmosphere.”
Our Take:
It’s an incredible victory for Mahut and already we are seeing memorable matches on Court Simonne-Mathieu. Mahut said he was worried about not honoring the wild card he received to the tournament because of a back injury, and he even considered giving the wild card back.
Garbiñe Muguruza, on what it takes to win Grand Slams.
“I think to win a Grand Slam you don't only have to play beautiful and, you know, have great shots. It's a combination of having the X factor, because, you know, everybody plays well, but only few can win Grand Slams.”
Our Take:
Well, when Garbiñe speaks, we listen. She’s got two major titles—the woman obviously knows things.
Grigor Dimitrov, on what he sees in new coach Radek Stepanek.
“I kind of find him very intriguing in a sense with the game that he had. In a way, he's achieved so much and has done so well. As you said, very creative. And I think this is what I need right now, especially that I haven't played, as I said, many matches. I've had problems with the shoulder. So I need that positive energy to surround myself with the right people."
Our Take:
What can Stepanek do for Dimitrov? It’s hard to say but Stepanek certainly was a special player and we’d love to see this emerge as a productive partnership. Even better that Agassi and Stepanek appear to be getting along quite well.
Anastasia Potapova, after notching her first Top 10 and Roland Garros win on Day 1.
“My phone is exploding right now, you know, social media, anything, WhatsApp, the messengers. Yeah, I really appreciate. That's very nice to hear some congratulations from great peoples, from tennis players, actually, as well.”
Our Take:
We’ve w for a while that Potapova is a legit talent. This is another step in her development and it will be fun to see what she can do in round two against the very tricky Marketa Vondrousova.
Felix-Auger Aliassime, after announcing the disappointing news that he’d be pulling out of the main draw.
“I'm at peace knowing that I'll probably be able to be ready for the grass.”
Our Take:
It’s tough news for FAA – we were all looking forward to seeing how well he could do in his first Grand Slam main draw as a seeded player. Hopefully Wimbledon will be a go and we’ll see what he can do there.
Roger Federer, on digging life as a “accidental tourist” in Paris. The man has low expectations at Roland Garros and he’s digging every minute of it.
“It's nice to be an outsider. That's how I feel, anyhow. Just see how it goes, you know. I know when Wimbledon comes around, sure, I'll be probably a higher favorite. That's okay, too. You know, I'm happy that I'm there where I am.”
Our Take:
Fed’s having fun in Paris and on Sunday he played like a man totally unencumbered. He was in full flight, and he has the mindset to match.