[2] Paul Coll (Nzl) 3-0 [5] Victor Crouin (Fra) 11-5, 11-6, 11-5 (48m)
That was a bit the case against Velavan, and then against Yayha after that. Today it’s different results every time, different scenarios. I was prepared for him to come on court with new shots, new angles to try to unsettle me, and he executed them really well.
We made a strong start to the first game, and when I come back to 4-4, that’s maybe where I missed my chance.
Paul is a machine on court: his game flows, and above all it gets better and better as he gains confidence and takes the lead. In Qatar, when I lost the first game 11-5, I came off court and told my dad the quality was there, but I needed to do a little bit better still. I went into the second game here with the same mindset, but things can turn very quickly with Paul.
When he starts getting frustrated, he sometimes loses his way, runs out of solutions. That moment where he gets frustrated and goes off the rails a bit never came today. There were some good spells, but I was missing that second or third attack, the third shot that really hurts and wins you the rally. The extra speed of execution I had on two or three shots in the third game was missing for the rest of the match, and that’s what makes the difference.
After London, someone told me on social media that there was a gulf between Paul and me. I replied that sometimes it really comes down to small details. Even if today the score is 5, 6, 6 or something like that, I still think it wouldn’t take much for things to swing my way.
Now I need to do the video analysis and prepare for our next meeting, in conditions that will hopefully suit me a bit more. But that’s also something I need to work on: being able to produce on a glass court the performances I can produce on a traditional court. They’re small details, but I really have to work on them every day to take that next step.”
“I always find Victor interesting to play because he loves to study the game, which I have the utmost respect for. I’ve heard comments that he overanalyses the game. I think that’s the most ridiculous comment to make. The bloke plays squash for a living. What’s he going to do, not analyse the game? That’s probably what I respect most about him. He’s always coming up with something, and obviously he got me in Qatar, which I was pretty disappointed with. Today he was chopping and changing the pace again, trying to get on the volley. So I’m happy with today. It was a mental battle.” About tomorrow’s semi “I’m always thinking about those boys! Diego is one of my best mates and I love the way he plays. It was such a weird shift today, because I’ve been playing outdoors, and there are a few things you have to do differently outdoors. Then I had to switch to this court, and I’ll have to switch back again tomorrow. So I’ll have to sit down and make sure my head is right. That’s what I had to do today: get clear in my head on the tactics, because there are a few slight changes you have to make when you’re not playing outdoors. Now I’ve got to get back to the plan we came into the tournament with.” “Yes, having my mental coach to support me this week worked out perfectly today! It’s one of the things I said in Qatar, that I didn’t have anyone there with me. I’m not one to take a big team with me. I’m very lucky to have my wife, but having your team there gives you that little bit extra. Today his job was to stop me spiralling, talking a bit of rubbish and keeping me switched off and switched on at the right times. It was great having him here today. He gives me the most energy. You’re always going to have curveballs in Egypt, so it was a good decision.” 
I was very happy with my attitude. That’s how I like sport to be played. The All Blacks you mentioned are my idols when it comes to mentality: the toughest boys on the planet, yet the most respectful. I love that side of them. They’re my role models.”
