Post-Suzhou 2015: Patrick Franziska

Germany's Patrick Franziska reached new heights at the 2015 World Table Tennis Championships in Suzhou, China by reaching the last 8 players in the draw. Patrick had suffered an ankle injury at the European Championships at the end of September 2014 and had gone through a long rehabilitation process prior to his short buildup to Suzhou. I took a moment to ask him a few questions about this World Championships.

Patrick Franziska makes last 8 in Suzhou

At the European Championships you suffered an injury. Can you explain your injury and how long the recovery process took?

A band broke in my foot. I needed surgery and they put a screw in my foot. The whole process including the surgery and rehab lasted about three and a half months.

What were your hopes for the World Championships knowing that you had just recovered from a serious injury? Did you expect to make the last 8?

I didn't expect anything. I just wanted to play my best table tennis and it worked ;)

How did you feel about your draw for the World Championships?

I wasn't that happy with the second round match with my team mate Steffen Mengel. We are team mates and good friends and it is always difficult to play against each other. But that's sport.

You ended up 2-0 down against Ukraine's Kou Lei in the last 16 match. What were you thinking at the end of the 2nd game and what helped you come back to win?

I was relaxed. I just tried to focus on every single ball, that had helped me in my other games a lot. I tried to change my game and play smart, not hard on every ball.

Suzhou was a stunning result for Patrick, being one of the last 3 European players left in the draw. He was beaten by Fang Bo 4-1 who went on to beat defending two time champion Zhang Jike and make the final. Thanks for taking the time Patrick :D