HAMBURG, March 12, 2024
Clement Chidekh is one of the rising tennis stars in France and started to make waves on the Pro Circuit by winning his maiden title on the ATP Challenger Tour in Glasgow last month.
The 22-year-old Arles native began playing tennis at the age of three and won a national singles tournament at the age of 13. Until 2018, however, Chidekh played only a few matches on the Junior Circuit, reaching 712th place in the junior rankings. In mid-2019, he began studying in the United States at the University of Washington in Seattle. In his penultimate year as a junior, he reached the No. 1 spot in the NCAA rankings in college tennis – the first player from his university to do so.
He then decided to take a break from his final year of study and instead turn professional. The college team’s coach, Matt Anger, quit his job to accompany Chidekh on the tour. Chidekh earned his first ATP Ranking points in 2019. In 2021, he captured his first of meanwhile six titles on the ITF World Tennis Tour on home soil in Ajaccio. Chidekh outlasted home favourite Paul Jubb in the final of the Lexus Glasgow Trophy in three sets. This triumph propelled him to a new career-high ranking of World No. 320.
At this week’s Challenger Hamburg, Chidekh successfully qualified for the main draw, trying to keep up his good run of form. We sat down with the Frenchman for an interview.
Tennis TourTalk: Clement, how would you describe your own game style?
Clement Chidekh: I am an aggressive baseliner. I don’t generate much power but I am trying to take the ball early and looking to come forward as much as I can.
You are experiencing a good run right now and recently won your first ATP Challenger title in Glasgow. How was the tournament in Scotland?
It was a really nice event. I didn’t win too many matches at the start of the year. I only won one ITF M15 event, which gave me a couple of good matches. I arrived in Glasgow with the goal by taking just one match at a time and keep improving. I had some tough matches and was a bit lucky in important moments but in the end I got the last point of the tournament and that’s a good feeling.
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It was also an indoor hard-court event. How would you describe the conditions in Glasgow compared to here in Hamburg?
I really like playing indoors, on hard court. It’s my favourite surface and I try to play as many matches as I can on it. The court is newer here. Glasgow was a bit faster but at both tournaments the balls stay low and you need good footwork. I really enjoy it here.
You went to the U.S. and played college tennis over there. Can you tell us a bit about this experience?
I wanted to go the States after high school because my English was terrible (laughs). I was in Toulouse and felt that I needed a change. A colleague of mine went to Washington. The school there is great and I enjoyed my two years. It put me back on track. My head coach in Washington Matt Anger stepped down from his job to guide me on the tour, bringing the best version out of me. He still lives in Seattle but is now my traveling coach. I am based in Marseille where I practice with a group of players. This is good for me, as I can be close to my family.
What did you study in the U.S.?
I went to the engineering school and my major was Maths and my minor was Economy. I wish I would have had the time to go all the way but it came the time to turn pro. Luckily for me the University gave me the opportunity to finish my study when I have the chance to. Two years are still missing. But now I am having no pressure and I can go for my dreams. The biggest is representing France in the Davis Cup.
How is the relationship among the young players in France?
It’s tough to say. After the age of 14 I wasn’t really part of the system of the French Tennis Federation. I only know the guys, who were close to my place like Arthur Cazaux. I think there is great relationship between most of the guys. Of course there is a rivalry but we are trying to help each other. We have a Grand Slam tournament in our country and a lot of other great events, which helps us to develop our career.
Is it your first time in Hamburg?
Yes, it actually is. Once I went to Copenhagen and had to take a ship from here. But I am not that often in Germany. For sure I will take the opportunity this week to go to the city, which looks great. I am looking forward to spending more time here.
What are your goals for the season?
To be honest, I never really know, where I am currently ranked. People are telling me. I was injured last year and my main goal is to stay healthy. I just try to improve, to become a better tennis player.
Thank you and all the best.
Interview: Florian Heer
