From Self-Isolation To Family Life: Chardy’s Tecnifibre Q&A

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Jeremy Chardy made the most of his spare time at home to participate in a Q&A session with his racquet sponsor, Tecnifibre.

The French manufacturer, which encouraged fans to send in their questions for the World No. 59 via social media, shared Chardy’s responses on Wednesday.

What is your favourite tournament?
My favourite tournament? No doubt. Roland Garros. When you are a French player, you have the crowd support. [You have] friends and family in the public.

How are you coping with self-isolation?
This containment period is very tough for everybody. It is very unexpected. Please, stay home. Do whatever you can do from your home and take care of the people you love.

When and how did you start playing tennis?
I started playing tennis when I was six in the small club of my hometown with my sister and my mother. We used to play a lot against the wall and, step-by-step, I fell in love with tennis.

Why do you love tennis?
I really do love tennis, being alone on the court, managing your emotions and stress while facing your opponent and having to find solutions. Every day is different. This makes tennis exciting.

What is the best memory of your career?
It is always hard to tell. I remember one of my first Roland Garros [appearances] in 2008. I received a wild card and made it to the fourth round. I entered the Top 100 [after that run], so it was a special moment for me.

Another great moment in my career was the first time I played in the Davis Cup for France. Playing for my country and singing my national anthem was absolutely amazing. It is a moment I will never forget.

How did you meet your wife?
I first met my wife Susan in Miami. I was having dinner in a restaurant and, when she came in, I thought I had to talk to her. So, I did it. We had a talk and today, we are married with a baby.

What does it mean to you to be a father?
Being a father makes everything different. It makes changes to your priorities. It is the most beautiful thing. I am also very happy at the moment to spend a lot of time with him.

What job would you have had if you weren’t a tennis player?

I really don’t know what job I would have done. I would have tried to do something I love, because when you start a job it is for your whole life. [It is] very important to love what you do.