Interview Goffin: ‘Looking forward to welcoming our first child’

Almost a decade after his place in the final, David Goffin can be admired at Libéma Open as always this edition. The humble Belgian talks about a special extra drive this year and proves to be an excellent party-planner.

We’ve seen you shine in various capacities at Libéma Open. As a high-ranked player, as a qualifier and this year with a wildcard. Welcome back!
‘I am extremely happy with the wildcard. After some injuries and illness I am playing better and better and I feel physically all right. I love grass and am grateful for the opportunity to start the grass season here in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. I will use it as a boost to continue the upward trajectory to my top level.’

What do you feel every year when you take your first steps on grass?
‘Joy, relaxation and that summer is coming. Like being in your garden playing. The eye also wants something and that’s fine at Libéma Open. It is beautifully green and you can see the ball clearly. Not to mention the game. Everything is and remains clean. Even your shoes and socks, haha.’

What do you have to watch out for especially with Luca Nardi as an opponent?
‘He is still very young, very talented and getting better and better. His strokes are extremely relaxed and the ball comes off his racket quickly. I beat him in the qualifiers in Indian Wells this year, after which he still made the main draw as a lucky loser, beating Novak Djokovic, no less. I have already played against him on clay court and hardcourt – always a three-setter – and now for the first time on grass.’

What is the best thing that has happened to you off the tennis court this year?
‘I will become a father in a few months. My wife and I are overjoyed. I am looking forward to welcoming our first child and suspect it will be an incredible feeling.’

Many tennis players say they would love to still play at the highest level before their children. Do you feel the same way?
‘Yes, because telling her about it later is not the same. That intensity cannot be conveyed afterwards. So I’d rather just show it, so she gets a sense for herself of what tennis and tour life is like with all the pressure, excitement and encouragement that comes with it. I hope she can just experience it herself when she’s a bit older.’

If you could have chosen for yourself, what era would you have wanted to be born in?
‘Ten years before my actual birth in 1990. Right before the period when mobile phones and social media started playing a big role. Besides, the 1980s were really cool and sounded awesome in terms of music from what I saw and heard.’

If you were to organise a barbecue on the Brabant grass, which three people from the past or present would you invite?
‘I am a big fan of golf, so I would invite a legend from that sport to learn more about it. Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy seem like excellent candidates to me. Furthermore, I am curious to know what things are like behind the scenes in US politics, so Barack Obama is also invited, haha. For good atmosphere, I would have Coldplay as a band on a small stage, with guitars and all!’