David Goffin’s Revival at ATP Shanghai 2024

David Goffin, the 33-year-old Belgian tennis player, is experiencing a resurgence in form at the ATP Shanghai 2024 tournament. Currently ranked 66th in the world, Goffin has overcome a challenging period marked by injuries and physical setbacks. Recently, he has shown significant improvement in his game, attributing this change to being pain-free and in peak physical condition.

Goffin’s recent victories have brought him to the round of 16 in Shanghai. Reflecting on his latest match against Marcos Giron, Goffin stated, “It was a tough battle, but I had to fight back after the first set, as in the last few matches. I didn’t start well. By the end of the set, I started feeling better, and I began to hold my serve more easily. I was more consistent and aggressive. I’m happy with the reaction I’ve had; it was a great comeback,” he elaborated during a press conference.

Discussing the factors contributing to his current success, Goffin highlighted the mental improvements and consistent performance he has enjoyed in recent months. “I’ve had great battles in recent months, good victories. Also, mentally I’ve been there for a few months now; everything has been improving week after week since spring and the beginning of summer,” he explained.

Goffin also mentioned the inspiration he draws from contemporaries Gael Monfils and Grigor Dimitrov, noting their own comebacks from injury. “It feels strange. I feel like I’m part of the thirties, but I’m doing very well, and physically I’m one hundred percent; I no longer have pain, so I hope to continue like this. Gael and Grigor have served as inspiration for me because they have been injured, and for example, Gael won a 250 last year in Stockholm,” Goffin observed.

Regarding Grigor Dimitrov’s success, Goffin remarked on their shared journey. “Grigor has been playing an incredible season. He started well here last year and then the final in Paris, entering the Top 10 again. We were at the ATP Finals 2017 against Grigor, and seeing him again in the top 10 is incredible. We are the same age, so I wondered why I shouldn’t try to climb in the rankings as well. It’s quite inspiring to see what he’s doing. I don’t know if I’ll be able to return to the Top 10, but for now, I have good tennis, and we’ll see how far I can go,” he said.

Looking ahead to his match against Alexander Zverev, Goffin expressed familiarity and respect for his opponent. “I know Sascha quite well from training together. We’ve played a few times; I have a couple of wins, and he has a few more. We’ve had very good matches between us. He’s had an incredible season; it will be a tough match,” Goffin acknowledged.