Clement: “The Swiss are good everywhere” – Sports.fr

Arnaud Clement came back Monday at a press conference on the choice of clay for the final of the Davis Cup scheduled from November 21 to 23 in Lille. For the captain of France, this decision was important but not essential for addressing a Swiss team he deems favorite whatever the surface.

Why the choice of clay?
We had started talking with the players in the semi-finals on Saturday after the double, then Sunday in the locker room. I told them to think again with a clear head, not hot. After a few days, the opinions did not change this option clay.

But why this option rather than hard courts I do
not think the game will be played basically on the surface. Anyway, the Swiss are good everywhere. As for us, I think we are as good on land and drive. One reason that tipped the balance, is that Roger Federer and Stanislas Wawrinka will play a priori the Masters on hard few days earlier. It probably would have been an advantage to them, although they can always refuse to go if they want. The most important I think is that we are not inferior to earth.

This decision does unanimous No player
n ‘ was against anyway. We took the time to think because it was a big decision, but this option has emerged quite naturally.

Gael is a little worried about his knee.

Arnaud Clement

What can change over the unpaved Roland Garros?
Sure, in indoor, conditions set will be different, particularly in terms of temperature, light, wind. The game may be faster with shorter chains. It will take a little adjustment period, but we will prepare ourselves to earth indoor few days earlier in a location yet to be determined.

This choice is it done according to strengths or weaknesses of the adversary
I want to tell you that there is not a lot of weakness in the face. They are favorites with the third and fourth players in the world. Federer has not won a Grand Slam this season, but it is still very competitive and showed it several times. As for Wawrinka, he won his first Grand Slam in Australia and a big tournament on clay in Monte Carlo.

Have you also made the choice to play on fitness. At 33, Federer is likely to suffer more on earth, right?
You know, from what I’ve seen, it’s still very fit. He certainly did not win a Grand Slam this year, but he could have. The physical dimension may come into play if the games last Friday, but it is difficult to predict.

Have you heard from Gaël Monfils
I got the phone. He is worried about his knee and will take exams at home tomorrow (Tuesday). But other than that, I have no more news.