Belgian talent Bailly (17) plays very first ATP match against Goffin in Antwerp: “Nothing to lose” | ATP Antwerp
For Bailly, who won the junior final of Roland Garros and the US Open last summer, but won the European U18 Championship, it will be his very first game on the main draw of an ATP tournament. The 17-year-old was given a wild card.
With Goffin (ATP-58), he immediately faces Belgium’s best tennis player and his idol. “I have nothing to lose,” Bailly told a press conference today at the Lotto Arena.
“I feel a lot of enthusiasm at the moment,” said Bailly in the run-up to the game that is scheduled for Tuesday. “There is not really a question of fear. I may be a little nervous just before the game, but once on the field it will run smoothly.”
The young Limburger does not give in beforehand: “You must always believe that you can win, even if it is a difficult task.”
“I’m going to enjoy as much as possible, give everything and hope for a good result. I love David’s style and it’s a dream to compete against him.”
“I still remember how I used to watch his matches on television. I was able to ask him a few questions during the Davis Cup (where Bailly and Alexander Blockx even joined the A-selection, ed.) and that was great.”
In Antwerp he tastes the real thing on the professional circuit for the first time. “This tournament is going to be a great experience for me. In the next few days I was already able to train with, among others, Tallon groenpoor (ATP-68) and Constant Lestienne (ATP-69). Such players from the top 100 of the ATP ranking are really strong, but already introduce me to the highest level.”
Bailly already no Goffin at full. The Belgian number 1 stunted 2 ago in Astana against the world number 1 Carlos Alcaraz, but had to miss Firenze last Monday.
“I still have a little trouble with my breathing, but I hope it’s okay from tomorrow. I’ve prepared and started training again.”
“I have more energy and my body feels better again. The most important thing is to start this tournament well and get a little better every day.”
Today Goffin “opened” the tournament in the chocolate museum with some colleagues. They were allowed to use tennis balls.