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Status: ATP #41. Won one career ATP singles title at 2015 Swedish Open

Age: 27.

First Tennis Memory: “I don’t have a lot of memories because I wasn’t watching a lot of tennis but I’m gonna say…what can I say…maybe when I went to the Open 12 in France in Marseilles. I saw (Arnaud) Clement play, for me he was a big star. He gave me a towel and for me that was a big moment [smiles].”

Tennis Inspirations: “For me, Marat Safin. He’s a very good player, very interesting to watch, a very good backhand, good serve, I return a bit like him. He was better, but [smiles].”

Current Car: “Ah, I don’t have license [smiles].”

Last Book Read: “A singer in France, he gave me his book and I read it.”

Greatest Sports Moment: “Winning Swedish Open two years ago or fourth round at US Open (beat Nishikori in first round), I think for me it was a good moments.”

Most Painful Moment: “I think in Key Biscayne four years ago against Llodra. It was a puzzlement because he was a good friend and we had a fight on the court. I don’t like it.

Favorite Tournament: “I’m gonna say Roland Garros.”

Strangest Match: “Yeah, I’m gonna say one more time against Llodra. Because it was strange and I don’t know what happened.”

Closest Tennis Friend(s): “I’m gonna say Wawrinka.”

Funniest Player Encountered: “Matosevic [smiles].”

Favorite Sport Outside Tennis: “Football – soccer.”

Funny Tennis Memory: “Nothing.”

Embarrassing Tennis Memory: “I feel so bad the first time I played Federer. It was the worst. Because for me Federer is the best player in the world. For me, when I’m against him on the court, it’s tough, I don’t play against Federer, I play against the most perfect player. And it’s very difficult.”

Three Athletes You Like To Watch & Follow: “Didier Drogba. And…who can I say…Clement Grenier, he’s a French player for football. And Wawrinka.”

Why Do You Love Playing Tennis: “Because it’s a sport to entertain. We’re on the court and we have to choose what we want to do. We could do what we want and for me it’s the most important.”

First Famous Player You Met Or Encountered: “I think Clement because we live an hour away. He lives in Aix-en-Provence, I practice in Aix-en-Provence. So he was the first guy that I meet.”

People Qualities Most Admired: “Honesty.”

PHOTO CREDIT: HENK ABBINK

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