History tells us that winning the European Junior Championships men’s singles gold usually leads to similar success at senior level. Six out of the last gold medallists have gone on to stand on the senior European podium.
Three of them are still young and in the hunt for this senior success that is almost expected of them. One such player is the 2018 European junior champion, Arnaud Merklé of France. Thinking about this expectation from fans, his view in fact embraces this energy.
- I can’t wait to go back on court and reach the top 50 in the world. I feel good with that pressure. I will give everything to be the best player possible.
In 2018, the year that it all happened for the young Frenchman, he picked up a BEC European Fan Player of the Year, as well as being nominated for the Shot of the Year award. Thus, showing his significant fan following. Commenting on this, Merklé said.
- That was a very nice feeling and ceremony, hopefully, I will win many others in the future.
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I actually love it
The French talent coming through is for all to see. With Christo Popov picking up the world junior silver and Toma Junior Popov, 2017 European junior champion, winning titles on the senior circuit, is this a tough challenge for Merklé to overcome? He simply states.
- It is pressure, but that will help me to reach a better level. I actually love it; we will play many times together and let the best win. But the main goal is that we all reach the top 20 in the world as soon as possible.
Merklé is a dedicated and determined young star in the making. He is currently 111 in the world but focused on getting into the top 50. Then the focus will be on the next very special Olympic cycle towards Paris 2024. It will be very exciting to track his progress over the coming years.