João Sousa "motivated to have a great tournament"

The reigning champion João Sousa spoke to the journalists about his participation at Millennium Estoril Open 5th edition.

"This year, the main draw is particularly tough, there will be no easy rounds. There is a really strong group of players here. It will be a fascinating high-leveled week of tennis, without a doubt", said Sousa, who is hoping to "play at a good level and have a great tournament". 

Guimarães-player takes action this year as a defending champion, after being dispatched in the first round of the portuguese tournament three times in a row, yet assuming that "the preparation will be the same as before". "I've been feeling good playing tournaments. These days are for preparation, but I've already got familiarized with this competition. Playing conditions are quite similar to last year's. So far, so good", he concluded. 

"Last year, the support of the crowd was vital for the conquest of the championship, and I'm hoping to get the exact same warmth this year", said the highest-ranked portuguese, just a few moments before knowing his opponent in the first round: Alexei Popyrin. "I am motivated to have a great tournament, the only thing to be done is fighting knowing that I'm at home here".