R3: Paul 3-0 Greg M

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[2] Paul Coll (NZL) 3-0 Gregoire Marche (FRA) 11-4, 11-8, 11-2 (35m)

Grégoire

This time, it was too strong. I couldn’t see the ball at all tonight, it was tough, and I felt it right before playing, and I told myself that it was going to be hard.

I struggled to find my bearings on the bounce, and then, he doesn’t give you much to work with, it’s unforgiving. As a result, I wasn’t precise enough to compete. I held on for a few points in the second game, but it just wasn’t precise enough, no ball control at all, so not much good tonight.

When I tried to play over the top, it wasn’t precise at all, and he has a length of shot that puts you under pressure all the time. He takes the ball very early, and if you can’t match him in precision and length.

I couldn’t avoid what I wanted to avoid at all costs tonight. Except for the first 5 or 6 points of the second game. Which is a shame, because physically, I feel good, even after the tough match in the second round. It’s disappointing, I would have liked to do better.

Paul

“I was a bit nervous coming onto the court. It’s a slightly different type that we usually play and has the outdoor conditions. I watched Rodney Martin’s 1991 World Open win and that got me going and excited. I was very happy with how I was seeing the ball and where I was putting it into all four corners.

“I think my game’s the best it’s ever been and mentally it’s the best I’ve ever been. I’m really enjoying my squash the most I’ve ever enjoyed it. I’m still learning, I’m feeling like a junior learning lots of new stuff and that’s what gets me really excited.

“I’ve just started playing this way and I think in the next 12 months I’m excited about what I can do. I sort of surprise myself every time I come on court with the stuff I put in and am very excited to play every tournament.”