I was supposed to go on vacation on Thursday, at worst my girlfriend will spend a week in Metz," jokes Tabur

Clément Tabur's run in Metz continues. After receiving an unexpected wild-card to play the qualifiers, the Frenchman has reached the second round of the main draw by defeating Aleksandar Kovacevic.

Interviewed by L'Équipe, Tabur stated: "I think it's slower (the surface) than I imagined. Plus, the balls wear out quite quickly and the game slows down even more.

Actually, a month ago, my backhand was really hurting. Now, it's hurting less and less. I'm gaining more and more confidence on that shot, I'm managing to hit harder and harder. I knew I had phases where I could play well.

But over a whole match or a whole tournament, I didn't think I was capable of it. I surprise myself more and more each day.

I only found out at the last minute that I could play the qualifiers and I didn't have time to bring anyone with me. Normally, I'm going on vacation on Thursday with my girlfriend... At worst, she'll spend a week's vacation in Metz (laughs).