Delight in the doubles, now SW19 is next on my hit list
SATURDAY was a mixed day at the French Open, although I had a good week as a whole in Paris — I felt like I was performing at a high level and produced some excellent results. I began my Roland Garros campaign beating Frenchman Nicolas Peifer, the then world No 3, in my first singles match. Following on from there and taking out the world No 1 Stephane Houdet in the semi-final — another home favourite, and a player I had never conquered on the Grand Slam stage — was another big result for me. Unfortunately, on finals day I could only win one out of two matches. Going down in the singles final but finishing the week off positively, alongside my Japanese partner Shingo Kunieda, by defending our 2015 doubles title. In the singles, I came up against an in-form player in Gustavo Fernandez, from Argentina. He was just the better player on the day. I was obviously disappointed not to win but, at the same time, I had played the style I wanted to play. I gave everything I could. It just wasn’t enough. But that made it easier to refocus on the new opportunity, to win the doubles. I had a lot of motivation, especially after winning it last year. Everyone was worried at the start of the week they wouldn’t get any matches at all due to the terrible weather. It’s hard not to get distracted because your training is being interrupted. I was hoping to get some time on the clay but I couldn’t get on court either Monday or Tuesday, so I had to train indoors. In those circumstances you have to be flexible — and expect the unexpected. It ended up that on our match days, it was pretty cold and spitting with rain at times but there weren’t any interruptions. No waiting around because of rain delays. It worked out OK and I obviously had some good results — so I can’t complain too much! It was also a fantastic tournament for Andy Murray. The results he’s had over his clay court season this year speaks volumes for how much he’s improved, and take nothing away from the incredible achievement of reaching the final in Paris. Like me, Andy was pipped at the post for the singles title but he’s playing against Novak Djokovic, who’s now holding all four Grand Slams, which only eight players have done in the history of tennis. Three of them are still playing at the moment. If you look at the fact Andy’s won two Slams during this era involving those three players, it just shows you his level. He’s maybe just a bit unlucky to be born in this generation! Next up for me, I go back to Paris in two weeks’ time for a hard court tournament. Then travel straight from there to London to begin my preparations for Wimbledon.