Checking in with Clement Filho

Following the completion of the 2020 spring semester, the University of Louisville continues to check in with members of the men's tennis team. Today, we feature senior Clement Filho.

Filho was a senior in eligibility in 2020 after earning his bachelor's degree in communications in 2019. The native of Paris, France is a four-year letterwinner. When the 2020 season came to a halt due to COVID-19, Filho had tallied nine singles wins, including three in dual match victories.

Throughout his career, he amassed 52 singles wins and 19 doubles victories. Additionally, he is a three-time ACC Academic Honor Roll selection.

The Clement Filho File
Hometown: Paris, France
Class: Senior
Major: Sport Administration (pursuing master's degree); earned bachelor's degree in communications, 2019

What are you up to these days?
I am still in Louisville with my teammates Fabien Salle and Fredrik Moe, and alumni Nicolas Rouanet. I probably will not get the chance to go back to Paris so most likely I will be in Louisville the whole summer. It is not easy to adjust during these difficult times especially as we do not have access to any tennis courts, but I manage to find time to work out, run, play volleyball, and I just started yoga. These are long days without my team, but I try to make the best out of it.
Future plans:
I always wanted to go back to France after I was done with school, but now I am thinking about staying in the US to get a job after my master. I am interested in coaching, finance, entrepreneurship, and marketing. I do not know what I want to do exactly but these are the areas I want to look for after I am done with my master.

Favorite tennis memory at Louisville:
My favorite tennis memory at Louisville is when I won my match at Bonita Bay while cramping and saving match points. Seeing my teammates pushing me and winning in front of them was a very special moment. Winning this year against a top 10 team was also a big accomplishment for us.
Other than that, I cherish all the moments spent with my teammates, especially during times like this, I realize how much I miss being around them and how much they have contributed in my four years of college. I would never find again a team like this that pushes each other for the better. I will always be there for them anytime in the future.

What advice would you give to a younger student-athlete just beginning their collegiate career?
Coming into college, people can be scared, excited, or both. I was very scared, at first, as I was basically starting a whole new life, in a different country speaking another language. I left my family and friends behind me. It was very challenging to overcome these factors at the beginning, but it is completely worth it. These will be the best years of your life. We are lucky to represent the University of Louisville, and believe me, time does fly. To the next Cardinal, it is not always easy to arrive, but it is ten times more difficult to leave this place. You will meet friends for life, build your future and connections, and make your American dream comes true. Good luck!

How do you think your friends would describe you?
As a good leader and a kind person.

Favorites:
"Binge" show
The Office! (by far).

Favorite quote, saying or motto?
Enjoy when you feel good, because it won't always be like this.

Favorite social media platform?
Instagram

Favorite athlete and why?
Roger Federer because of his calm and mental toughness in big moments. He is able to bring his 'A' game in the most stressful moment.

What are some of the top moments/favorite memories from your career so far?
When I clinched Clemson freshman year. When I won my singles match in the round of 32 at the NCAA tournament while being sick for four days. When I won an epic match at Bonita Bay my junior year saving match points and my whole body was cramping.

If you could play any sport other than tennis, what would it be?
I would play soccer.

Finish the following sentences
I am… someone you can talk to anytime you want.
I have always wanted to… travel across America with my friends.
Rodrigo was right when he said… that when you think you got it, you don't got it.
Before every match I… take 5 minutes to 10 minutes to put my grips on and listen 2-3 songs alone.

University of Louisville Athletics

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Clement Filho

Fredrik Moe

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Fabien Salle

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