Royer: "I have earned much more money, but it has not changed me so much"

Raquel Bermúdez Rodríguez | 21 Dec 2025 | 10.49

Royer: "I have earned much more money, but it hasn't changed me that much." Photo: Getty

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In this 2025 season, Valentin Royer has taken great strides forward in his career as a professional tennis player. The 24-year-old French player reached his first ATP final at the ATP Hangzhou 2025 last September, in addition to lifting two Challenger titles in Kigali in the two consecutive weeks of the tournament.

Furthermore, Valentin Royer is pushing his limits in terms of official ranking. The French tennis player closes the year as the world number 57, although the most notable figure is the 92 singles matches he has played in this 2025.

"Before going on vacation, I was tired but happy to have had a truly positive season, one that will stay with me for a long time. This year brought many novelties; it was my first time in a Grand Slam draw, my first time advancing past the first round in a Grand Slam main draw... I am very happy to have finished this season in the best possible way, especially on the Asian tour, with my first final on the main circuit," said Valentin in an interview with TennisActu.

"I am refreshed and ready to face the upcoming season in the best way possible, to work on whatever needs improvement, especially on my serve, my return, and strokes like that. I won't lie; I won't revolutionize anything; these are important, essential things. I am looking forward to what lies ahead, eager to start the next season on the courts."

A mental coach, key to Valentin Royer's progression

"Having a mental coach has also been of great help; I believe it has greatly assisted me in performing at crucial moments, where I have struggled a bit in recent years. This year saw a significant mental breakthrough in that regard. My coach was not particularly surprised to see me perform like this, because with all the investment and hard work behind it, results are obtained at some point, whether sooner or later, it doesn't matter. We are incredibly happy with this season and now we look towards 2026."

A major change in terms of economics?

"I wouldn't say it has been a major change because it hasn't really altered my life. I have earned a lot more money. In fact, it's curious because when you are young, you imagine things... and in the end, it hasn't changed me that much. I am the same as I was a year ago, two years ago. I am hungry, I want to perform, face bigger players, win titles. I still have that drive."

Royer's goal for 2026

"The goal is clear: to stay in the Top 100, to be able to play a full year on the main circuit. Then, as I always say, I don't set limits for myself. The goal is to stay within the top 100, to have a good performance, to play a full year on the main circuit, in Grand Slams, in the main draws of the Grand Slam tournaments. That would already be a very successful year."