French Open: ‘I Need to Start from Zero Again’
For a reigning world champion, Kunlavut Vitidsarn has barely made a ripple on the circuit since his famous title win last August.
· DEV SUKUMAR
His semifinal finish at the Indonesia Masters in January was his best performance after a series of early losses. At the YONEX French Open 2024 yesterday, he had to scramble to stay alive in the event after blowing four match points against Brian Yang in a tense opening round.
Vitidsarn readily admits he’s not at the level he was last year. Rather unusually for a top player, he doesn’t hesitate to attribute his loss of form to the pressure he’s been under as world champion.
“I’m very happy to be here, I’ve been under a lot of pressure. It’s a new performance now, it’s okay if it’s not good, I can learn. Brian Yang is a top player but today I’m happy I could win," he said after his 21-13 13-21 22-20 win.