28/05 - Roland-Garros : Philippe Delerm's interview

SPORTS / TENNIS : ROLAND-GARROS / "Un Autre Regard" by Philippe Delerm / 28/05 - Roland-Garros : Philippe Delerm's interview

My favourite virtue in a tennis champion ? ViceMy principal character trait as a tennis fan ?I'm a real groupie.What I appreciate most in male tennis players / female tennis players ?I don't make any distinction between male and female players. The whole subject repulses me, like when I hear certain commentators say that such-and-such player is pretty. Anyway, the quality I admire most is the ability to display feelings without showing off. There has to be a happy medium between a glacial Bjorn Borg and a Henri Leconte who leaps for joy after every point he wins.My dream tennis match ?A match that finishes in five sets at 9:30 p.m. just before nightfall.Which champion would I most like to be ?Mats WilanderAside from the French Open, which tournament would I most like to attend ?Wimbledon, for the traditionThe colour I like best for tennis gear ?White and blueMy favourite all-time tennis champions ?McEnroe, Wilander, NoahThe tennis shot I admire most ?The volley.The rule change I'd most welcome ?Get rid of the tie break.The technique I wish I had ?The volley now and forever.My state of mind during the French Open ?Well-being. I remember one time when I was young I was at a track-and-field next to centre court in Roland-Garros stadium. So the French Open, for me, is first about childhood memories. I also remember an old gentleman who gave me tickets to get into the stadium. I was a student and I brought Martine, the woman of my life who became my wife. When I think about this place I'm really moved.Which tactical error bothers me the least ?A double-fault at the moment when the pressure is peeking. My motto when I play tennis ?Attack! Because I have a tendency to stay on the defensive. My take on Roland Garros for Nespresso ?I thank Nespresso for this invitation. Even if I have a lot of other work to do at the moment, I could not resist such an opportunity. I want to offer a humble, alternative take. I'd like to talk about the little, everyday goings-on, like I do in my book. I want to focus on little scenes that reveal real life. And I certainly don't have any pretentions about being able to dispense advice on tennis tactics.