LONDON: David Goffin exits the ATP Finals disappointed, but with a new burst of confidence surrounding him.
The Belgian failed to win the season-ending championships, getting edged out in three sets by Grigor Dimitrov. Goffin’s loss occurred at the end of a week when he has rewritten history for his country. Becoming the first Belgian to defeat a world No.1 player and only the sixth player in history to defeat both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer within the same tournament. In the final, it was a costly break in the sixth game of the decider that denied him the title.
“It was a tough game.” said Goffin. “I was a little bit tired in the third (set). But it was the only game I didn’t serve well, maybe.”
Despite the disappointment, there are mainly positives to focus on for the future for Goffin. This year he has scored seven wins over top 10 players. More than double his 2016 best of three. Reflecting on his London campaign, he believes it has helped boost both his physical and mental game.
“I think after this week I’m a better player mentally. Obviously mentally, but also physically.” He explained.
“It (London) was tough. I proved to myself that I can do it. I was at the right place because sometimes when you are for the first time in the top 8, you don’t know how it’s going to go, if you’re going to play a good level.
“I gave everything. I have no regrets after the final. Anyway, it was a great week. I think I’m a better player.”
Aided with his new-found confidence, Goffin aims to convert it into Davis Cup success. Next week Belgium will take on France in Lille. The country has never won the competition, settling for runner-up on two previous occasions.
Whilst relishing in his tour breakthrough, Goffin in under no illusion that he needs to improve further. He finds himself sandwiched between two generations. The renowned ‘Big Four’ and the Next Generation contingent, headed by Alexander Zverev. It is a tough situation, but one he is prepared to fight for.
“I think I worked a lot to be more aggressive, especially with my return. It’s one of my best weapons.” Goffin Evaluated.
“Also, my serve. When my serve is going well, it’s easier to be more aggressive and to take more risk when you know the serve is going well.”
“I think I’m improving a lot in this part of my game. It can be better. The serve can also be better. But I’m still improving. That’s really positive.” He added.
As a result of his London run, Goffin will end 2017 at seventh in the Emirates ranking. His best-ever year-end performance at the age of 26. The achievement was aided by a duo of ATP titles he claimed in Asia, including his first ATP 500 trophy in Tokyo.
