Player features

Quick volleys with Lucas Pouille

The Frenchman will play against second seed Zverev in Melbourne

January 11, 2025

Lucas Pouille was already successful at the Australian Open and reached the semi-finals of the first Grand Slam tournament of the season in 2019. However, the former top 10 player in the PIF ATP Rankings will face a tough test Down Under before the start of his tournament in 2025. With Alexander Zverev in second place, he was on the other side of the net in front of the Frenchman.

Ahead of Sunday night’s clash at Rod Laver Arena, ATPTour.com caught up with Pouille to get to know the 30-year-old better off the field.

If you could have dinner with any three people in the world, who would they be?
Stephen Curry. A president, one of them. And Mick Jagger.

Are you a basketball fan? What do you like about Steph Curry?
He is my favorite athlete, athlete. The first choice would definitely be Steph Curry.

If I asked you who you would trade places with for a day, would it be him to see what it’s like to shoot threes like him?
Exactly, exactly. With distance.

Do you play a little basketball?
I do. Yes, I do a lot. A few years ago we used to go with Nick (Kyrgios) and Gael (Monfils) and play some basketball before tournaments, so it was kind of fun. But yeah, every time I can I try to play.

What do you like about basketball?
The game itself. It’s a sports team, I love that. I love the way you shoot, it’s just a sport I like.

What is your best memory outside of tennis?
When I had my daughter (Rose). It becomes the first priority and everything except her and my family is secondary. I love tennis, it’s my passion. I know I work hard and am committed to this, but the most important thing in my life is my daughter and my family.

What might fans not know about you?
How much I love it when they cheer for me and the noise they make when we play and hit a good shot. They cheer us on and have my back. It’s just something incredible, the feelings and it gives me a lot of goosebumps. I love this so much. Once I decide to retire, this will be what I will miss the most.

Is there a standout game where the crowd was really supportive?
Lots of games. Against Rafa at the US Open, two years ago at the French Open during qualification. It was just crazy. Davis Cup games in France, at the final. The noise was just ridiculous. And for some others it happens every time. It’s just pure joy to see how people enjoy watching your game and cheering you on. That’s also why we do this. It’s about how much I love the support and the fans, I want to let them know.

What dream do you have off the pitch?
Of course I don’t have a special dream. I just try to be happy, enjoy my life and stay healthy. I think the most important thing is that we stay healthy and that we are surrounded by good people and enjoy life. That is the most important thing for me.

If you weren’t a tennis player, what would you be?
I would have preferred to be a football player or basketball player.

Favorite football team?
Paris. When I was young it was the Racing Club de Lens, that’s where I come from. I used to go there with my father and that’s why it’s my favorite club. Paris because I support them and believe they can win the Champions League one day and I hope it would be great for a French club.