ROLAND GARROS

May 25, 2025

Quentin Halys

Press Conference

Q. HALYS/T. Machac

7-6, 4-1 (ret.)

THE MODERATOR: You never want to see your partner retiring, but how does it feel to get through this first round of Roland Garros?

QUENTIN HALYS: I'm super happy to get the win tonight. It was a bit strange because I was not expecting him to retire. But I'm really happy with the level I was playing tonight. Happy to come back on Wednesday.

THE MODERATOR: Questions in French.

Q. You always have a lot to say after this type of match. What do you take away from this match?

QUENTIN HALYS: It's rather strange. I played a very good first set. He didn't really show any signs of injury in the first set. Then what happened afterwards was a little bit strange. I'm happy that I got into the match, the first match of Roland Garros.

I'm really happy to be able to play the next match here.

Q. You talked about the atmosphere. You said the end of the match it was amazing, the public was behind you. They were making a lot of fun of everybody. What is it like having such a joking audience?

QUENTIN HALYS: Yes, they were joking a lot. They kept giving me tips and bits of advice. But you have to stay in your bubble.

They were very kind to me. It was cool. What really struck me was when I went out on the court, the noise was amazing. There have been amazing matches on that court. The atmosphere is amazing. It's not that easy to manage. But yes, it was wonderful. I hope there will be others.

Q. You also talked about some tweaks you have to make. What were you thinking of?

QUENTIN HALYS: Yes, well, it's the way I returned, maybe the backhand. I think the conditions we started in were complicated. I don't think there could be any good matches today. It was cold, windy, swirling wind around the court.

I'm happy with the way I served. I think I played a very good first set. There are some small adjustments to be made, but, you know...

Q. You were saying it was a rather strange match. The fact that your opponent retired is a good thing for you because maybe you'll have more time to recover.

QUENTIN HALYS: Well, playing on Sunday, then again on Wednesday. Not necessarily.

But it's not nice to win a match that way. That's the way it is. I hope his injury isn't too bad. For sure, in terms of self-confidence, it's better to finish a match. It's not good in a Grand Slam what happened. Because we have 48 hours to recuperate, it won't make a lot of difference.

Q. Have you had atmospheres like that abroad, but the other way around?

QUENTIN HALYS: Yes. I would say against in Australia I played against Walton in the first round. It was quite the opposite. It's difficult to play in your bubble.

It's okay to have this kind of atmosphere if people are kind. When you play an Australian in Australia or an American in the US Open, it's not easy either for us. You have to use it to your advantage.