HALYS HOPES TO BECOME FRANCE’S FIRST MALE GRAND SLAM WINNER

For France, it has been a long period of no Grand Slam jinx since 1983 and Quentin Halys is hoping to be the first male player to win one, thus ending it.

The title was last won by Yannick Noah at the Roland Garros in 1983 and Halys is determined to show that he for one is not a one-trick pony.

The 20-year old, who possesses sublime shot-making skills, is the latest in a long list of the next big things for French tennis.

On a two-day course in the ATP University in London, where young players were introduced formally to the challenges present on the main Tour, Halys had been asked if France’s Slam jinx weighs heavily on his shoulder.

The Parisian had replied saying,

“I feel no pressure because it’s very tough.

“There are so many players like Tomas Berdych or David Ferrer who have never won a slam. It’s not just because you’re French you can’t do it.”

He however does not try to explain why France has been without a Grand Slam win in the male category for as long as 33 years. In addition, it is in doubt that there ever is anyone that can go on to explain how possible it is for the country with consistently more depth in the sport to endure such a lean spell.

In the world ranking, France has a higher number of players in the world’s top 25 than any other country but none of Gael Mofils, Richard Gasquet, Lucas Pouille, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga or Gilles Simon has been able to make the Slam breakthrough yet.

Halys has however been very appreciative of all the advice given him by his compatriots,

“We all train together and they give me advice. They know the way to the top so you have to listen to them.”