Marozsan: “I said to my coach: I can’t believe what happened”
Defeating Holger Rune 6-1, 6-1, Fabian Marozsan created a major upset at the Miami Open on Saturday. Just 10 months after another upset of this kind against Carlos Alcaraz in Rome, the soon-to-be top 50 player doesn’t have a proper explanation for his results on the big stage, but he’s happy to talk about it.
Fabian Maroszan, Miami 2024 | © Julien Nouet for Tennis Majors
Fabian, it was a tremendous win against Holger Rune. Why are you so good at the Masters 1000 level? (Marozsan has played the fourth round in each of his previous Masters entries.)
Fabian Marozsan: I really enjoy to play at the highest level. It was a great day today, I could enjoy every moment on the Stadium court. I played against a top 10 player who has the potential to be top three one day. I tried to put pressure on him and played high intensity tennis. He didn’t find a way to come back and do something different. When I play, I try not to focus on the opponent but on my game.
Did you feel early on that you could wrap up this match quickly?
Fabian Marozsan: Not really. I just did all I could to win the most points possible and it was one of these days when it happens (Marozsan won 58 points out of 91, editor’s note). I pushed to take his serve a little bit (five out of five on break points). I was a little bit lucky sometimes. Every point, I felt it was 50-50 and I’m just so happy to beat this guy.
Obviously you thought you could win this match when it started. Could you imagine this margin, 6-1, 6-1?
Fabian Marozsan: No, and when I left the stadium I said to my coach: “I can’t believe what happened!” It was just like bam bam in one hour or something (59 minutes). It’s a new feeling for me to play in these conditions.
You played four top 10 players in your career and defeated three of them: Alcaraz in Rome, Ruud in Shanghai and Rune here. How is it possible?
Fabian Marozsan : That’s a good stat! But I don’t know why I’m special in these matches. I try to do my best on court and things happens sometimes. I see myself as a new guy on the ATP Tour (aged 24, Marozsan turned pro in 2017 but never appeared regularly on the ATP Tour before 2023). I try to enjoy every moment here. This type of tournament is like a Grand Slam, you have a day of rest after each round, it’s good for me. I’m very hungry, that’s the key. I made a good run at Indian Wells, so I’m confident (he lost to Alcaraz in Indian Wells, after defeating Rodionov, Jarry and Seyboth Wild).
Do you see commonalities between this win and the one against Alcaraz, when you burst onto the scene?
Fabian Marozsan: That was very new, playing Alcaraz in Rome. Very different. Now I’m in the top 100, I have the Shanghai matches under my belt (Marozsan made quarter finals in Shanghai in October 2023). I remember these moments and it helps me to be confident in this type of event. This Miami event is new for me but not as new as Rome was, you understand what I mean (big smile). I improved more than I expected these last six or seven months. Alcaraz was a turning point but I’m still a new guy here on the ATP Tour. Guys don’t know me, I try to push this advantage.
Have you set precise goals for this season?
Fabian Marozsan: Sure. I want to be in the top 50, Maybe I’m close to it now (Marozsan will be number 50 in the worst case scenario after Miami) so the next step will be top 30.
Your next match is against Alexei Popyrin. How are you feeling about this?
Fabian Marozsan: I was supposed to meet him at Indian Wells but he pulled out because of an injury. Here in Miami, it’s a great opportunity for him and for me to be there in the fourth round, not being seeded. I’ll do my best to reach that stage. I’ll try to enjoy every moment like I enjoyed today.
