Interview with reigning Roland-Garros eSeries by BNP Paribas champion Fozzy

Fragster talks to reigning Roland-Garros eSeries by BNP Paribas champion William “Fozzy” Foster for an interview on winning the event last year, how he’s preparing for his title defense this year, how he started playing Tennis Clash, his advice on how other players can improve in the game, and more.

When it comes to understanding esports, one thing is certain: it does not cover just one game. Since the days it was founded by arcade machines and then morphed into also featuring console and PC games, it has encompassed a vast web of titles spanning over 50 years.

Moreover, has gone on to cover an equally huge amount of genres for players to relish en masse such as fighting games, MOBAs (multiplayer online battle arena), FPS (first-person shooter) games, mobile games, sports games, and more. For sports games in particular, the genre boasts a plethora of enormous titles that collectively hold a concrete foothold in the general gaming scene such as FIFA, Rocket League, Madden, and NBA 2K–but those aren’t just the only games to consider.

One other title to take note of is Tennis Clash, an online mobile tennis game that has been growing in popularity since its creation in 2019. Since then, it has served as the staging ground for notable events such as the Roland-Garros eSeries tournament, which is held in the famous tennis complex that hosts the annual French Open of tennis. Moreover, Tennis Clash was also included in the Olympics Esports Series for the summer of 2023 by the collaborative effort of the International Olympic Committee and various corresponding international sporting federations with the aim of adopting. 

The occasion will undoubtedly usher in a critical moment for the game and its players, but of all those striving to obtain Olympic gold in Singapore, one is regarded as a viable candidate who can actually achieve that goal: William “Fozzy” Foster, a British player who has competed in and won the 2022 Roland-Garros event and is regarded as the favorite towards winning this year’s edition as well.

Ahead of the 2023 Roland-Garros eSeries Tennis Clash tournament, Fragster interviewed Fozzy on his upcoming title defense, what advice he gives for other aspiring pros looking to shine in the game, its inclusion in the Olympics Esports Series, and more.

On winning the 2022 Roland-Garros eSeries title

Pedro Romero, Fragster.com: Last year, you bested nearly a quarter of a million players, in addition to defeating the seven other finalists during the final phase, to win the Roland Garros eSeries title. What enabled you to play so well throughout the competition to win the title?

Fozzy: I believe confidence was the key. I was quietly confident that I could become the champion as I believe in my skills. I am a huge tennis fan so playing the game is very enjoyable and easy to play for me. Also, I have played high-level competition in sports throughout my life so maybe I was more used to the pressure environment in the grand final.

What was the hardest moment you had to overcome while en route to the championship?

I think qualifying for the tournament itself was the hardest. 250,000 people competing just to get to Paris is quite unbelievable. All of the best players in the world were trying their hardest to win, so trying to play tactically and to play at the highest level possible was particularly challenging.

Preparing for the title defense

You’ve managed to add another piece of silverware to your trophy cabinet by winning the Australian Open Tennis Clash 2023. How have you been able to sustain your high level of performance in the lead-up to the Roland-Garros eSeries competition?

Fozzy: To be quite honest I am unsure, I haven’t played the game as much recently. Following my victory in Paris 2022, I have been playing the game a couple times a week and even taking a break for weeks at a time. So I am very happy with my current performance levels! 

 

Was there any change in preparation ahead of the event in Paris compared to last year?

Yes, last year I was playing the game much more regularly, at least once a week, this year it has been a lot less. But I am confident in my abilities to perform at my highest level, having the advantage of knowing the surroundings and being the defending world champion. 

How he started playing Tennis Clash

As the defending champion, I’d like to know how you first encountered Tennis Clash and when did it happen?

I first started playing Tennis Clash in December 2019. I was bored of playing FIFA and decided to look for a Tennis game in the App Store. I was a big fan of the game Virtua Tennis which I used to play a lot as a child so I was hopeful of finding a new exciting Tennis game. 

When did you decide to seriously pursue a career in Tennis Clash esports and why did you make that decision?

I don’t think I ever decided to pursue a career in Tennis Clash esports, it kind of just happened. I have a relaxed persona and never fully expected to qualify for the Grand Final due to different factors, even though I believed in my skill, so now to be Tennis Clash’s only World Champion is very exciting. 

What is your occupation outside of playing Tennis Clash and how have you managed to balance both things to subsequently play well in events?

I am a Radiologic Technologist and still a full-time student. So my time to play is scarce but I am somewhat of a night owl, so the only time I play Tennis Clash is late at night, so I always have time to play! 

As someone who has played tennis at a young age, which player do you view as your role model, and why do you view them as such?

I would say the mighty Juan Del Potro. I based my real-life tennis game off of his, with the big serve and big forehand. But also because he is one of the most genuine, humble, and kind players the ATP has seen, so for these qualities, I would liken myself to him.

Unlike last year when you arrived in Paris as one of the hunters for the title, how are you going to approach this upcoming tournament as the defending champion?

I am going to approach it in exactly the same manner. Last year I was just happy to be there to compete and to be at Roland Garros. As a huge tennis fan, it was just a privilege to be there, so I go there this year with no pressure, to just enjoy the competition and have a great time. 

What are some major tips you can share to players who are aspiring to become great eTennis players like yourself?

I think having a knowledge of the sport is imperative. Having watched hundreds of tennis matches and played myself since a young age I am able to know certain patterns of play and to predict my opponent’s next shots. I believe this to be a huge factor in being successful at this game.

Tennis Clash in Olympics Esports Series

Tennis Clash was included as one of the games that will be played for the Olympics Esports Series in late June 2023. As a Tennis Clash player, how do you feel about the game’s inclusion in the lineup?

I think it is honestly unbelievable for Tennis Clash to represent tennis in the Esports Olympics. I think this is a huge step forward for the game and for tennis esports. I am incredibly excited and I hope to be playing in the Olympic Esports Series.

There’s been significant scrutiny on the games the International Olympic Committee selected as opposed to picking the esports’ popular titles like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and League of Legends. How do you view the reaction towards the lineup for the Olympic Esports Series?

I think it is important to include new and up-and-coming games and for there to be variability amongst esports to show a fair and all-inclusive platform moving forward. 

Do you think these games have the potential to garner the young audience the IOC hopes to obtain?

Yes definitely, new games come out all the time and capture different audiences, so by targeting new different games, the IOC will obtain a new, wider, and diverse audience.