French number one Brice Leverdez made comeback at the European Men’s and Women’s Team Championships in Amsterdam after being out of business for more than two months. We spoke to the 26-year old about his ambition at the German Open and his targets for 2012.

Brice, what is your target at the Yonex German Open here in Mülheim?

I am playing Tien Chen Chou of Chinese Taipeh in the first round todat. I have played him before at last year’s Korea Open and I could beat him in two straight games. But to that time I have been in a good shape and my condition has been good.  Things have changed as I have been injured and after my operation I did not play for two months.

So your expectation for this tournament is not that high …

... yes. I played my first tournament two weeks ago in Amsterdam at the Europeans Men’s and Women’s Team Championships. So for me it’s to get my confidence on court back and improve my level. I don’t put toomuch focus on the results at the moment. My aim is to be in a good shape at the European Championships in Sweden.

What would you like to achieve in Karlskrona?

To get a medal is my goal. That’s the usual target.  No French player in the men’s singles has ever won a European medal. Of course it’ll be tough as there are many top Europeans at the moment who can play for a Medal.  It will be tough but I will give my best.

How is it going with your ambition to qualify for the Olympics?

It looks good. With Mathieu Lo Ying Ping I have only one contender from my country and he ranked number 66 at the moment. So I am not stressed.

Thanks for the interview.

Click here to go to BE’s player profile of Brice Leverdez
Click here to go to Brice Leverdez official website