MADRID: A brief spell in the world’s top-10 earlier this year has only intensified David Goffin’s desire to make a name for himself on the men’s tour.
The Belgian player continued his offensive in Madrid on Thursday with a convincing 6-4, 6-2, win over Milos Raonic. Throughout the clash, 5”9’ Goffin refused to be intimidated by the power of the Canadian’s serve, relying heavily on his movement around the court to secure the win.
“It was a great match. I returned really well. Of course it was the key against Milos to find the rhythm on my baseline and try to return every serve.” Said Goffin.
“It was almost a perfect match. I was really impressive and at the end 6-4, 6-2, it’s a really good performance I think.”
Clinching his 27th win of 2017, the Belgium has enhanced his position as the player with the second highest amount of tour wins after Rafael Nadal. Due to his height, Goffin can’t rely on the use of a powerful serve (he is currently the 53rd most efficient server on the tour according to the ATP). It is for this reason why he relishes in defeating players such as Raonic, who was the 8th top-10 conquest of his career.
“It always gives me a lot of confidence to beat those guys, especially with the way I played. That’s the most important thing.”
Goffin has the image of a ‘nice guy.’ He is polite, friendly and engaging with others after his matches. Yet on the court, he doesn’t want to have this persona. Instead, he wants to be a fighter. To be a player that others on the tour dread playing.
“I always try to focus on the court. Even if I don’t win this match, I want to be a tough opponent. Even if I’m not playing great or in good shape, I just want to be a tough opponent.. That’s what I say in my head before my matches.” the 26-year-old revealed.
Friday could provide the Belgian with a lesson of how to be a ‘tough player’ on the court. He will play the formidable Nadal for the second time this season. In their first meeting Goffin could only win four games in the match.
One question remains concerning Goffin in his future as a tennis player. He has started to talk the talk, but in reality can he walk the walk?
