MADRID: Returning to the clay has been a blessing in disguise for David Goffin as he continues his campaign on the tour at this week’s Madrid Open.
Back in February a freak on-court accident resulted in him missing the Indian Wells Masters due to an eye injury. Then in Miami he only managed to win one game against Joao Sousa in his opening match. Goffin has managed to turn the tides on his recent misfortunes on the European Clay. Reaching the quarter-finals in Monte Carlo followed by the semi-finals in Barcelona last month.
“At the moment, I am not far from my best tennis.” The Belgian world No.10 evaluated on Wednesday. “I’m playing well, especially since I returned to the clay. Of course, I don’t have any injuries. “
“I’m feeling great physically. I worked a lot to come back on the clay.” He added.
Goffin is keeping his momentum going this week in Madrid. Seeded eighth in the draw, he edged his way past Robin Haase 7-5, 6-3, in the second round. Claiming 80% of the points behind his first serve and breaking four times in the match. Extending his head-to-head record against the Dutch player to 4-1.
“It was a great match.” He said. “It’s not easy against Robin. He always puts the most difficult play in the court and you have to finish the point. It’s never easy to finish a point against him.”
“It was the case in the first set. I was serving well, but sometimes I didn’t choose the right side and missed some volleys.”
Next up for Goffin will be British No.1 Kyle Edmund. The world No.22 edged out Novak Djokovic 6-3, 2-6, 6-3, in a tense 102-minute encounter. It will be the first time they have clashed since Goffin came out on top during the 2015 Davis Cup final.
“He’s playing really well this year. I think he’s improving every year and he’s a great player. Really aggressive, great forehand.” He said of Edmund.
“It’s not going to be easy against him.”
Regardless of the outcome of their upcoming clash, Goffin’s focus is on the bigger picture. At the end of May the French Open will get underway. His main draw record at the event currently stands at 11-6 with a run to the quarter-finals in 2016 being his best performance.
“I won some matches, I have some confidence now. It’s going up. We will see if I can keep winning up to the French Open. That would be perfect.” He concluded.
During this year’s clay swing, Goffin has a total of 765 points to defend.
