Elmer Moller, the 'chameleon' waiting for us in Marbella

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The clock is approaching 10:00 PM when Elmer Moller (Denmark, 2003) receives Punto de Break in the Mixed Zone of the Mutua Madrid Open. The Dane has just lost in the first round of the main draw against Joan Fonseca (6-2, 6-2), an unlucky draw after having passed the tournament's qualifying stage. His title at the Oeiras Challenger last week also did not help in facing the Brazilian's onslaught, with physical fatigue weighing more than the obtained confidence.

Despite the defeat, the experience is positive for the 21-year-old, a man who is in his fourth season on the circuit, possibly the one that will push him into the top100. In person, he appears shy, with brief responses and nervous gestures. He struggles to express himself, eager to finish his statements, unlike on the court. His gaze only lights up when I mention the magic words: Davis Cup. In September, Spain will host Denmark in Marbella, with a ticket to the Finals at stake. Remember his name because we will soon be facing him.

How was the experience of playing against Fonseca?

It was a great experience, with a lively atmosphere in the stands and in a great stadium like Manolo Santana... A fun match, I did everything I could, but playing against Fonseca is tough. I had never faced him before, and his shots are very strong. It was very hot on the court, tough conditions, and it was challenging at times.

You came from winning a title last week, and he had been inactive for a long time.

Certainly, winning a tournament always boosts your confidence, you approach the next one differently. But I also arrived at this first round with many matches in my legs, perhaps too many. Now I'll have some time to rest for a few days, which is great news.

You are getting closer to the top100 every day, is that your main goal this season?

Honestly, no, I don't set any specific goals at the moment, but... of course, reaching the top100 would be a significant achievement.

What are you working on to make the next leap?

Good question, there are many things I'm working on to achieve that. I want to be more aggressive, always go for my shots, take the initiative in points, so I hope that playing these matches, in these big tournaments, will help me continue on that path.

How would you describe yourself on the court?

... I've always struggled with these questions; I'm not sure what to say, how to define my game. I suppose I try to adapt to each opponent's style. Perhaps my backhand is my best shot, after many years of playing, it's starting to become my biggest weapon.

It seems that clay courts are your comfort zone.

Clay courts are my favorite surface, although the season is full of hard court tournaments, so I also need to learn and improve on other surfaces.

How is your relationship with Holger Rune?

We grew up together, playing tournaments in all categories when we were kids, although our careers are currently at different levels, obviously. He has improved a lot, is much better than me, and that's why he's up there. I deeply respect his work and admire everything he's doing; he’s a great player, and it's always a pleasure to watch him play.

You are the second-best player in Denmark, which is also impressive.

It's always a joy to represent your country, to be among the best, but Denmark is a small country, not like other places with millions of inhabitants. It's important to have players at the top, whether it's me or someone else.

September, Marbella, Davis Cup. Are you excited?

A lot! I've already had great victories in this competition; hopefully, I can be there and play great tennis.

Can you imagine playing with Alcaraz?

Of course, we played a few times when we were kids; we're both from the same year. I imagine facing him but also any other opponent.

Do you have any tennis idols or role models?

Tennis has many legends, many great players, but I don't have any specific ones, sorry. I don't even watch much tennis, although being a player and on the circuit, you end up watching some matches. When I have free time, I try to use it for other things, like resting or being with my friends.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Elmer Moller, el ‘camaleón’ que nos espera en Marbella