Photo Spazio Tennis
Read the original interview in Italian on Spazio Tennis
Interview by Lapo Castrichella
The greatest Moroccan tennis player of all time, father of Roma’s new signing Neil El Aynaoui, and currently coach of French player Hugo Gaston (ATP No. 125). With Younes El Aynaoui we revisited some of the most exciting moments of his career, such as reaching the US Open quarterfinals after beating Carlos Moyà and Jiri Novak, as well as the historic marathon lost 21-19 in the fifth set against Andy Roddick at the 2003 Australian Open. And, of course, a few thoughts about his son ahead of the 2025/26 Serie A season. As a player, he climbed as high as world No. 14 and won five ATP titles, becoming the most important face of Moroccan tennis.
Today, years later, we find him with the same enthusiasm but in a different role: as Gaston’s coach and a proud father. Because beyond tennis, there is also soccer, with his son Neil, Roma’s new signing, ready to chase his dreams at the Stadio Olimpico. With him we retraced the past, looked at the present and future: memories of New York, the rise of stars like Sinner and Alcaraz, the growth of Italian tennis, and of course the emotions of a father now watching his son experience the magic of soccer in the capital.
How many times have you come here to the US Open, both as a player and as a coach? What is it like returning so many times to the same tournament and the same city?
“If I think about how many years have gone by, I feel very old (laughs). The first year I came here was 1991, for the qualifiers. After retiring in 2007, I didn’t return for many years. I have so many memories here: it’s great to come back, the place has changed a lot, and every year they build new facilities that make it even more fascinating.”
What memories do you have of the US Open as a player? In 2003 you beat a very young Rafael Nadal in his second Slam and later reached the quarterfinals twice, beating top 10 players like Carlos Moyà and Jiri Novak.
“Nadal wasn’t yet the player we all know, but you could already see he was going to become great. Beating him was a real satisfaction. I still remember the fifth-set tie-break against Jiri Novak: an unforgettable moment, and winning in that situation, with that scoreline 7-6(1) 5-7 3-6 6-3 7-6(5), made it even more special. One regret I still have today is that both times I reached the quarterfinals, I was very tired physically and couldn’t play my best tennis.”
How long have you been coaching Hugo Gaston, and how is your work together going?
“We started two years ago in Marrakech. Hugo is a player who did very well right away: he was world No. 2 as a junior and when he began playing Futures and Challengers, he climbed the rankings very quickly until reaching world No. 50. Now he’s having a bit more trouble staying there: opponents know his game better, they’ve identified his weaknesses, and that’s made things tougher for him. But you know, on tour matches are often decided by just a few points, and confidence really makes the difference. Last year he played well, while this year has been more difficult: he dropped out of the top 100, so we’ll restart from the Challengers and try to get back in as soon as possible.”
Do you think Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz will once again be the leading men of this US Open, and how do you see them in the future?
“Many feared that after Federer and Nadal, tennis would lose some of its appeal. But with Sinner and Alcaraz we now have two stars capable of carrying that legacy: the match they played at Roland Garros was unforgettable. They are so young and already role models for the new generation: for kids watching them, it’s a joy to see them play. Tennis is in good hands. They also have different characteristics, even physically: one is tall, the other more compact. That makes their rivalry even more intriguing. They have everything it takes to give us extraordinary finals for many years to come.”
What do you think about the rise of Italian tennis in recent years?
“It’s incredible what’s happening. I was born in 1970 and when I played, Italian tennis was a bit behind compared to countries like France or Spain. Today it’s wonderful to see so many players not only high in the rankings, but also with interesting and different playing styles. Each one has something unique, they are all very professional and physically well-prepared. It’s very satisfying, because in Italy the passion for tennis has always been there: you can see it at the Foro Italico. What was missing were the champions, and now they’re here: Sinner, Musetti, Cobolli, Sonego, and many others. They’re all players who are truly a pleasure to watch.”
What emotions did you feel when you saw your son sign with Roma?
“We’re really very happy. It wasn’t easy, because when he signed there were two players under consideration: Rios and my son. It seemed like the fans preferred Rios, and it wasn’t easy for Neil to read certain comments. But he’s been in love with soccer since he was a child: he lives for this sport, it’s his life. He dedicates everything to growing and becoming the best player he can be. I’m convinced he’ll do well at Roma, he has the right mentality and passion. Now we just hope the fans recognize that and support him, because with their backing he can really go far.”
Did Neil only play soccer or did he try tennis as well?
“Actually, he plays tennis very well too. We lived in Barcelona, I was working in tennis, so since he grew up in that environment he played for several years. But his true love has always been soccer, and at 12 years old he chose to follow his dream of becoming a footballer.”
How is he settling in with the new team and new coach?
“He’s adapting very well. He found a nice house in Casal Palocco, so he’s close to Trigoria and also near the sea; he feels very comfortable off the pitch too. With Gasperini he’s fitting in well: training sessions are intense, but he approaches them with enthusiasm. He likes his teammates and everyone at the club has welcomed him warmly. He feels good, motivated, and ready: he’s fired up to have a great season with Roma.”
Have you ever been to the Stadio Olimpico? Will you go this year to watch Roma games?
“Yes, I had the chance to go to the Stadio Olimpico a few years ago, during the Internazionali d’Italia: sometimes there was also a soccer match, and I remember watching Houssine Kharja, a fellow Moroccan who played for Roma. I’ll watch my son’s first match, against Bologna, on TV, but in the future I’ll really do everything I can to be at the Olimpico. It would be a unique emotion to see him there, wearing that jersey, in front of all the fans.”
