Pouille: "More and more players are talking about their problems, which is important".

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Clément Gehl

le 08/12/2024 à 07h58

2 min to read

Pouille

Lucas Pouille had a fairly satisfactory 2024 season, considering the many problems he had in the past, linked to depression and alcoholism.

The Frenchman spoke to CLAY and emphasized the mental health aspect: "Right now, I'm very happy, very proud of myself. My feelings on the court are improving.

I think if I keep playing like this over the weeks, I'll gain even more confidence in my game. A return to the top 10? You never know.

It was very important for me to share my problems with alcoholism. It's hard to talk about these things when you're an athlete. You're always supposed to represent a good image of yourself. You have to show that you're strong, without showing your emotions.

But you have to understand that sometimes it's normal to feel bad. Life in general is a big taboo, but I see that tennis players are gradually improving in this area.

When people ask how you're doing, 99% of the time the answer is: "I'm fine". The truth is that everyone lies. You can't be fine every day of your life, but it's normal not to want to talk about your problems.

More and more players are talking about their problems, which is important. Today, I see life differently. My main aim is to be a good father, a perfect father, if there is such a thing.

I want to be the best for my daughter, for her to see me play and be proud of me. Even my approach to the game is different now, I'm more detached than before from the importance of results.

I don't care as much about what people think of me anymore, it's something that used to be of great importance, but not anymore."