Arthur Gea capped his breakthrough week in style on Saturday night at the Mifel Tennis Open by Telcel Oppo in Los Cabos, where he became the 11th first-time ATP Tour champion this season.
The 21-year-old Frenchman had won just three tour-level matches prior to the ATP 250 hard-court event but swept past Soonwoo Kwon, Michael Zheng, Francisco Cerundolo, Coleman Wong and finally Denis Shapovalov to become the sixth ATP Tour champion born in 2005 or later.
After securing his biggest career trophy and climbing 41 spots to No. 86 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, the 22-year-old reflected on his week in Los Cabos and much more in an exclusive interview with ATPTour.com.
What does it mean to win your first ATP Tour title?
It is incredible. All of the emotions I got after the match were amazing. I can’t describe it at the moment, but it was crazy.
What was the key to your win this week?
It was hard work during the past few weeks. We arrived here really early and adapted well to the conditions.
You began the year at World No. 244 and now are well inside the Top 100. What has been the biggest difference this year?
I was doing the same things, but fitness-wise I am getting better and better. In the game I am a bit older, so I understand the game a bit better.
Has there been one moment in particular that has allowed you to make such a jump?
In Noumea, I won my first Challenger and then I played really well at the Australian Open and the whole hard court season was amazing.
You have said you idolised Rafael Nadal. What made you enjoy him so much and do you have a favourite Rafa moment?
What I like the most with him is he shows his emotions a lot at the end of matches. Every match, every title he cares a lot and I am quite the same. And also how he fights on the court is amazing and that is why he is my idol.
What are your biggest interests outside of tennis?
I like going out with friends, eating out, going to the movies. I like going shopping too. But I would say staying with my friends is the best.
If you were not a tennis player, what do you think you would be and why?
I would probably be a footballer because my dad was and I started like this. I support Marseille.
How would you describe yourself both on the court and off the court?
I think I am someone who smiles a lot and enjoys life a lot. On the court I also smile quite a lot.
How will you celebrate this title?
I think I am going to stay with my family, girlfriend and everyone close and we are going to go to a dinner.
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