Gregoire Marche (FRA) 3-2 George Parker (ENG) 9-11, 11-9, 12-10, 7-11, 11-4 (79m)
Gregoire
It’s good to get, to get the win today [in my] first match of the season. I was really, really nervous in the first two games, like I felt like I couldn’t relax, and I was trying to breathe and to feel like the body. I was lucky I got the second and I felt like point after point, I was feeling a bit better, like, in terms of the racket, and my length was a bit better game after game.
The court was a bit slippery. We both are big sweaters, so there was a lot of like, stop and start.
And, of course, with George, it’s always a tough battle with a lot of adrenaline, you know, and I knew I had to stay focused and to stay calm, but at the same time I wanted to push myself, you know, and I’m glad I started the season pretty well. And physically, I had a good summer. I feel good like mentally, and everything is on, on the green, green side, so I’m happy to get the win.
I did different things this summer. When I play the best, it’s when I’m enjoying my game and when I have fun on court, and I’m trying to spend a bit less time on the court, like I can push myself only once a day on the court. Before it was maybe twice. And that’s why I keep myself fresh.
Usually in the summer, you feel like you train hard, but we’re kind of already tired before the beginning of the season. And I think I did a bit differently this summer with my coach and I’m playing a bit more golf on the side, which is good for me mentally, you know, to keep myself fresh and positive for the season.
