Issue link: http://itf.uberflip.com/i/1491441
ITF World Winter 2022/23 15 GILLES BAILLY INTERVIEW In short, a solid foundation has been set for this tenacious teenager to continue his development and progress along the ITF player pathway. "I look back on 2022 with a positive feeling," he added. "I had some amazing new experiences, and twice being in the final of a Junior Grand Slam is certainly something I will never forget. "I also remember the tough battles I had, and the fact that it is not always easy to reach your best level from the start of a tournament. Tennis is the most beautiful sport in the world but, at times, perhaps the most difficult one also." Now focused on 2023, Bailly is set to leave the world of junior tennis behind and concentrate more on professional events, having made his ITF World Tennis Tour debut in August 2022. He reached the quarter-finals of four tournaments in the ensuing months. He also received a wild card into the Antwerp Challenger in October where he faced former world No. 7, four-time Grand Slam quarter- finalist and fellow Belgian David Goffin in the first round. Bailly lost but managed to take the match to three sets. "My first ATP match against my fellow countryman David Goffin was possibly the highlight of last season," said Bailly. "I never could have imagined being competitive against him, let alone win a set. "It was a dream come true to be able to play against my Belgian idol in my own country. So many people, including a lot of friends and family, came to support me which was an incredible feeling. It gave me a boost and allowed me to play my best tennis." Perhaps going head-to-head with the likes of Goffin will become commonplace for Bailly in the coming years. Finishing 2022 as the year-end junior world No. 1 and being named ITF World Champion provides a strong platform from which to launch an assault on the big time. A prosperous future may well await. n Knowing that the absolute top players have had bad moments and bad matches motivates me to keep pushing and trying. We're all human after all. Gilles Bailly