Belgium’s David Goffin believes his recent resurgence in Cincinnati might not have happened if it wasn’t for the guidance of his recently appointed coach Thomas Johansson.
At the Western and Southern Open Goffin downed Richard Gasquet in straight sets on Saturday to reach his first ever Masters final at the age of 28. So far in the tournament he has dropped one set in four matches played, which was against Taylor Fritz in the first round. The run is a much needed boost for Goffin, who lost in the first round of his two previous tournaments.
“I knew before the match that I had to go and be aggressive on his second serve, to put him under pressure.” Goffin said about his 6-3, 6-4, win over Gasquet.
“I think that was the tactic before the match, and I did it really well. I put him under pressure. Controlled the game after the return.”
Stating that he is back to playing his ‘best tennis,’ Goffin paid tribute to coach Johansson. A former Swedish player who won the 2002 Australian Open and reached a ranking best of seventh that same year. Two two have previously worked together back in 2016 before reuniting again in March following the departure of Theirry Van Cleemput from Goffin’s team.
“Thomas came during Indian Wells. It was much better. Week after week I started to play well during practice. Then after that some part of the matches were much better.” Said Goffin.
“Then one matches, two matches, and then after that — it takes some time to go back to your best level.’
“Then on the grass I continued to play some good tennis.
“Now here (in Cincinnati), a final, it’s great now. I’m feeling great. I’m back at my best tennis.”
Since the reunion of the Goffin and Johansson, the Belgian has experienced encouraging results on the tour as he seeks more consistency. His best runs include reaching the quarter-finals at Wimbledon, semi-finals in Estoril and Final at the Gerry Weber Open in Halle. Goffin also took a set off Rafael Nadal at the French Open before losing in the third round.
Goffin’s run to the Cincinnati final has also made history. He is the first ever Belgian player to reach the final of a Masters 1000 tournament. A milestone that leaves him with mixed emotions.
“Of course it’s really nice and it is important, but I’m not focused on making history in my country.” He said.
“I love to play Davis Cup. I love to play for my country. I love to make everything for Belgium.’
“I’m just focused on what I have to do step by step. I try to do my best. I try to win every match, and then we see at the end.”
Targeting the biggest title in his career, Goffin will play Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in the final on Sunday. Their head-to-head is currently tied at 1-1.
