R1: Victor saves 2 match balls against Bernat….

[7] Victor Crouin (FRA) 3-2 Bernat Jaume (ESP)  7-11, 11-7, 6-11, 12-10, 11-7 (65m)

Manu Crouin (coach)

When we left the hotel this morning, I told him ‘you sure you are not forgetting something?’. Only his racquets… He is a bit flat at the moment, he was a bit poorly and didn’t have a chance to work properly since we came back from the North America Tour.

But he is getting stronger, and today is a good point. He’s lacking a bit of sharpness/energy at the moment — we’ve done a lot, and he’s been slightly unwell — but he’s improving day by day. And if he gets through tomorrow, he’ll have a rest day, which is perfect.

Victor

“Obviously, I’m always happy to get through these matches; it builds character.

“These are the kinds of matches which are going to help me through the tournament, and if not, for the events to come.

“I was at home for the last three weeks and they weren’t the best weeks of training, but I tried my best to get ready for this event – I knew it was going to be a tough one against Bernat.

“We also get close to each other on tour, Bernat is a friend. We have known each other for a long time. You don’t want to him to lose either – it was a big opportunity for him as well, but you also have to try your hardest to get the win no matter who is on court with you. That’s why the handshake was a bit of a frustration at the end.

“I know how much of a big win it can be for myself and the rest of the event.”