The ongoing search for the next big thing on the ATP Tour is one that doesn’t phrase French talent Quentin Halys.
Rising to prominence on the junior tour by reaching four grand slam finals (one in singles and three in doubles), the transition to the pro tour have been a slow, but stable one for Hayls. His first taste of playing the best in the world occurred at the 2016 Australian Open. Awarded a wildcard into the event, he defeated Ivan Dodig to book a second round showdown with Novak Djokovic.
“I played a great match, but he was just too good. Now I know better what I need to do to get to that level, and I know now better how to play in Australia and more of what I need to do this pre-season.” Halys recounted during an interview with The Telegraph.
Hayls’ French fairytale failed to occur in Melbourne as he was brushed aside in straight sets by Djokovic, pushing the multiple grand slam champion to a tiebreaker in the third set. Since that encounter, Halys has proven that he anything but a one hit wonder. In April he clinched his maiden Challenger title in Tallahassee after defeating another rising star, Frances Tiafoe, in the final. A few months later he reached the final of another American Challenger tournament in Fairfax. The year hasn’t always been plain-sailing for the Frenchman, who has also experienced a series of early tournament exits. Consistency might be currently lacking in Hayls’ game, but it has failed to have any negative effect on his belief.
“I don’t think there’s a big difference between the top 10 and top 100 but the best guys are not missing, always hitting their best shots. They are focused on the game and they are so good on the big points. That’s why they’re so good.” He said.
A member of the ATP’s ‘Next Generation’ programme, a campaign which promotes the rising stars of the men’s game, Halys does finds himself in a favourable position compared to others in one respect. Unlike some of his rivals from other countries, Halys benefits from France having a 12 players in the top 100 of the Emirates rankings. Sharing the pressure amongst others is a benefit for a player trying to break through. Nevertheless, the 20-year-old has played down the significance of the expectations placed upon him as his country waits for their first men’s grand slam champion since 1983.
“I feel no pressure because it’s very tough,” he said about winning a major title. “There are so many players like Tomas Berdych or David Ferrer who have never won a slam. It’s not just because you’re French you can’t do it.”
Next year Hayls will be joined by former top 20 player and Davis Cup captain Arnaud Clement, who will mentor coach him outside of tournaments. On the tour, he will still be guided by coach Olivier Ramos. Ramos, who previously worked with Lucas Pouille, told The Telegraph that Halys has what it takes to succeed on the tour.
“I think he can be a top player, and we will all work hard for it. Everything is possible, I think he has no limits. He can do a lot of things, he can defend, attack and go to the net. He has a very complete game.” Said Ramos.
Currently ranked 153rd in the world, there is still a lot of work for the former French Open boys’ doubles champion to do. It will be a long process, but one Halys is committed to.
“First of all I want to be in the world’s top 100, and then we will take it step by step.” He concluded.
The full interview conducted between The Telegraph and Quentin Halys can be read in full here.
