Six years after his semi-final loss against Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open, the Frenchman will return on Sunday to the Rod Laver Arena to challenge the world number 2.
Facing world number 2, Alexander Zverev, for your return to the Rod Laver Arena, is this a dream poster?
Lucas Pouille: If I say that it’s a dream poster, it’s because I’m stupid, because we obviously want to go far in the tournament (laughs). I’m going to do everything for it, but over the last few months, he’s still the best player in the world with (world No. 1 Jannik) Sinner. He plays at a pretty incredible level. I will have to bring out my highest level to try to move on to the next round. On the other hand, it’s a nice match on Rod Laver in Night Session. It’s cool to play.
How do you feel about playing again in this legendary venue?
The last time I came to the Rod Laver, I didn’t play many games (6-0, 6-2, 6-2 defeat), but it was a good memory despite everything, a half in Grand Slam. It’s true that it’s a special short. It’s extremely large, there’s plenty of space. The surface is very different from outdoor courts or practice courts where it is very fast. The big courts are much slower. There may be a little adjustment time to accept. But in any case, these are conditions that I will like. It’s not going to be very hot. We will be able to commit. It’ll be nice.
You have had a series of injuries in recent years. How do you feel physically?
How are you. Afterwards, as I said, I started training again three weeks ago. Obviously, there are tensions. There is nothing that replaces tennis (competitive matches, Editor’s note). (…) I would have preferred to play at the ATP 250 in Auckland, that would have allowed me to play at least one match to prepare for the Australian Open. You can prepare as you want, do as many abs as you want, do shoulder work… tennis is so special! We put ourselves in positions that are not normal. As a result, it creates tensions elsewhere. But I will be 100% tomorrow (Sunday).
What goals do you set for 2025?
At the end of 2024, the last tournaments, I think my level of play was very good, close to a top 30 level. Afterwards, to be able to reach that ranking, you have to do a full year. Compared to others, I think I have 30% or more fewer tournaments. It would be good to know on January 1st, to say to yourself: it’s okay, I’m at peace, I know how it’s going to go. Unfortunately, this is never the case. So, I will give my best with the objective of getting closer to the Top 50.
