“I heated them!” : Arthur Cazaux looks back on his successful debut at the Open Sud de France, his audience, his cup and the rest

Arthur Cazaux a été particulièrement costaud pour ses débuts à Montpellier. Sur le terrain et en dehors. MIDI LIBRE – Alexandre Dimou

Le Montpelliérain Arthur Cazaux était satisfait de sa victoire contre l'Allemand Maximilian Marterer (6-1, 6-3) au premier tour de l'Open Sud de France ce mardi 30 janvier.

Arthur, can we say that your debut in Montpellier is a success ?

Yes, in the sense that I won. That's the main thing. Afterwards, I'm happy with my match. I knew it was going to be a player who was going to get into me. I was solid from the back of the field, putting in a serious match. It's perfect to start this week.

We've seen you stay at the back of the field a lot, in fact. Why ?

The objective was to vary the heights, not to stay in the same rhythm, to be sure in my exchanges. I am also happy with my service games. I didn't have to dismiss many break points, I'm happy.

It gives you confidence to start well, especially by making very few mistakes. The first two games won are blank. I knew I was a little expected, I had a little pressure. It freed me for the future.

Precisely, how did you cope with the pressure of this match ?

I prepared it like the matches in Australia. I know what I'm capable of, regardless of whether I play well or poorly. I am ready to give the best of myself. It releases some pressure. I am in my hometown, in front of my loved ones, my family, with many players from my club who came. There was a little enthusiasm, I like this kind of atmosphere.

"Basically, this cut, I made it for Australia, the country of the mullet"< /h2>

A group of supporters made their voices heard this evening…

I directly felt that the audience was warm, with a good atmosphere. There were 3-4 guys in Australia who made a mess there and were there today. I warmed them up by telling them: "I have 25 of my friends who are here, they're a little shy, I'm counting on you to loosen them up.&quot ;

And then, rather Australian kop or Montpellier kop ?

I'm going to say the Montpellier kop! Because there are more people. There's always the same team of crazy people and it's easier when there's a whole audience. But when there was the whole team in Australia, only 15 setting the stadium on fire, it was very good too. 

Is this hairstyle a lucky charm ?

Basically, this cut, I made it for Australia, the country of the mullet. It was a little wink, maybe I could have the public in my pocket. I played pretty well, so maybe I'll do one more aggressive. My parents were a little crazy when they saw me with this hairstyle, but as long as I win matches…

Also read: Distance learning, physique of a marathon runner, undermined by injuries and dubbed by Nadal… how Arthur Cazaux managed to be one of the 100 best players ?

What can you say about your next opponent, Félix Auger-Aliassime ?

We all know Félix, he's been eyeing the top 10 for years. It's going to be a big match. I trained with him several times, even in Australia. It's going to be a big fight, I'm ready tennis-wise and mentally against this kind of opponent. In any case, I know that the public will be behind me. It will still be a good time.