Paris 2024 Olympics. Alexis Lebrun: “I had a lot of fun, I really enjoyed it, in short I'm happy”

Alexis Lebrun could meet the Brazilian Hugo Calderano, world number 6, in the 8th finals. MAXPPP – Olivier CORSAN

Impressive winner of the Croatian Pucar (4-0) in the 16th finals, Alexis Lebrun put on a show at the Arena Sud Paris, Monday July 29. And he had fun before a probably very tough 8th final on Wednesday.

“(Radieux ?) There are quite a few reasons to be. I'm so happy to get through this second round, to reach the 8th finals in style. I had a lot of fun, I really enjoyed it, in short I'm happy.

(Bonus round of 16 against the Brazilian Calderano, world No. 6 ?) Just a bonus, I don't know because I don't want to stop there. I want to continue in the table. But it's true that now, I'm going to be more in the position of an outsider. We know that Hugo (Calderano) is a super strong player but I think I'm really capable of causing him problems. He doesn't have his round of 16 yet (Tuesday morning), we'll see. But no matter, the opponent will be a good player no matter what.

I just want to enjoy it, have stars in my eyes every time I enter the room

(The atmosphere, help rather than pressure?) What I try to tell myself is that it's an opportunity that won't necessarily come back in my life, to play in rooms like this. I just don't want to have any regrets, I just want to enjoy it, have stars in my eyes every time I enter the room. I don't want to be frustrated at the end of the competition. So I enjoy it and I think that's how I play best. I'm used to playing with the crowd, looking up, going for emotions. It helps me transcend myself. If I close up, I know that my game isn't at its best.

I don't know if it distracts the opponents. It's not easy for everyone. A first in such a heated atmosphere, at least for me. It's one of the best crowds in the world, in my opinion the best (smile). It can't be easy to manage. We're all used to it now. It will create even more extraordinary matches.”