It was at the Tennis Country Club Barrière in La Baule, after a training session, that we were able to interview Edouard Roger-Vasselin, this very friendly Champion, passionate amateur golfer and winner of Roland-Garros 2014 in doubles, nicknamed by his ATP World Tour comrades "The nice guy"

By Frédérique de Granvilliers

EdouarRoger-Vasselin and Julien Benneteau winner of 2014 Rolan Garos in doubles

Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Julien Benneteau winner of Roland Garos 2014 in doubles - Photo DR

After this great feat alongside Julien Benneteau, where are you now?

In 2014 I was No. 6 in doubles and 35 in the world in singles. Magical ! Unfortunately I had a small hip injury last September and came back down. In doubles I am still 20 in the world. But if I fix myself well physically, it will come back. The hazards of tennis.

IMG_2468

Do you come back to La Baule for a few days every summer?

These are my roots. I lived there from 3 to 14 years. I started playing tennis at the age of 4 on the clay of the Country, thanks to my very sporty family (Editor's note: his father Christophe Roger-Vasselin was semi-finalist at Roland-Garros in 1983, his mother Alexandrine Van Duijn , visual artist, was well ranked). And I didn't stop. A great adventure ...

 

 

Tennis but also golf!

IMG_2538A little less on the Circuit but I am passionate about golf. I started with my grandmother around 8 years old at La Baule, at Golf International Barrière. Until my 14/15 years I played almost as much golf as tennis. The last license I took was at La Baule in 1999, with a handicap of 20.

Does your mother say that sometimes you even play 6?
I play a little better than my handicap. Next time, I will compete to win it.

 

What does golf do for you?

I really like this greenery. It allows me to get out of tennis a bit, not to stay all day at the hotel watching movies or visiting the cities. Playing a golf course allows you to ventilate well, with the playful and fun side. In a tournament it's the best way I can get tennis out of my head. It allows me to relax, to decompress ...

You could have been a golf champion !? You have just participated in the Grand Prix de la Baule and finished 4thrd !

If I had the regularity I had at tennis, I thought to myself why not be very good at golf! Later…

 

Are you a fan of Golf International Barrière la Baule?

I love this Club. When I arrive at La Baule, I recharge my batteries, when I arrive on this golf course from my childhood, it's the same. The memories come back to me .., in my grandmother's car, leaving to play together. Today it’s me who’s taking her.

 

Do you have a favorite hole?

When I plant my tee at number 1, aaaahh it's ecstasy! I tell myself, let's go for eighteen or nine holes, for two hours of happiness.

 

You have the opportunity to play golf all over the world, what are your favorite courses?

I play mainly in Australia (they are too dry) and in the United States where the golf courses are magnificent, superbly maintained, like that of Atlanta. I know less about French golf courses.

 

Swing-feminin oblige .., on the World Tennis Circuit, are there champions / players who are fans of golf?

The French Alizé Cornet and Kristina Mladenovic do a lot of practice, but no course.

 

And you, a little practice?

It's good for the mind. It's a good training to deal with frustration and setbacks. Remain as humble as possible in relation to your level of play. A beneficial job for tennis.

 

After this short week of rest in La Baule with your wife and your 10-month-old son Mateo, you are joining the Circuit…

Direction Montreal, Cincinnati, New-York with Flushing Meadow which starts on August 30.

 

A few clubs in your luggage?

I already have too many rackets to wear but I always carry a few golf balls and .. my glove !!

ITV on August 5, 2015 at La Baule