2024-01-19 17:52:18
It was definitely worth the wait… With a start to his career slowed by injuries, Arthur Cazaux, 21 years old and 122nd in the ATP, had not set foot in Melbourne for four years and a junior final. And here he is who has just won his first two Grand Slam matches in Australia!
After taking out the strong Serbian Djere (No. 33) in the first round, the Montpellier native achieved, without ever getting excited, a major feat on the night of the Margaret Court Arena by dominating world No. 8 Holger Rune (7 -6 (4), 6-4, 4-6, 6-3), one year younger.
“It was a crazy match. I no longer have a voice, he smiles. He’s a player I’ve known for a long time. I’m so happy, the atmosphere was huge. Tennis is a show and I hope the audience enjoyed the show. »
A psychological influence on Rune since youth
In the youth categories, Cazaux used to beat the Dane (five victories in six matches). Despite the stakes, the context, the XXL setting, Stéphane Huet’s student did not give up, showing that his invitation to the State of Victoria was well deserved.
In recent months, spared from physical problems, Cazaux is on the upward slope. During the off-season, the recent winner of the Challenger tournament in Nouméa, a basketball and rap fan and a big fan of social networks, underwent extensive land preparation in Dubai.
“I had done five sets and I knew I was ready for this kind of fight,” whispered the player with two earrings under his backwards cap before entering the arena. I arrived in Australia with a lot of confidence. Here, I enjoy the heat because these are conditions that I like. »
Facing the Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor in the next round, Fils loser
For more than three hours, in front of a large colony of noisy French supporters, Cazaux played a very high level game. And showed strong mental abilities to constantly stay in the fight.
Able to win the first set in the deciding game when he had been broken at 5-4, to save a break point at 2-1 in the second set or to break at the start of the fourth while his opponent, embarrassed in the left thigh, had just returned to the scoreboard.
All with a big serve, powerful and regular, some nice kicks and spectacular points, like a “Monfilsian” jump forehand in the second set.
In the last round, the amazing Blue, a little blunt, knew how to perfectly manage an emotional roller coaster with a missed double break point at 2-0 and break points to save at 3-2 and 4-3. Before concluding with a sumptuous cross backhand passing.
In the next round, Cazaux will face the Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor, 31st in the world, who beat a disappointing Son. In Melbourne, one Arthur can therefore hide another… Another Habs has also made an appointment for the third round. Ugo Humbert dominated the Chinese Zhang (6-2, 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (3) in 2h50).
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