October 3rd 2023.
Life has been anything but normal for Luca Brecel since his incredible victory at the World Snooker Championship this year. The 28-year-old Belgian beat the likes of Ronnie O'Sullivan, Mark Selby and Mark Williams on his way to the title and admits that it has been difficult to adapt to the new level of fame that has come with it.
"It's so busy for me now, it's crazy," Brecel told The Agency. "After I won the Worlds the next six weeks were not so busy actually. I was like, is this it? And then after 8-10 weeks it started coming: the interviews, exhibitions, all sorts of requests and so much attention. I didn't expect it because I thought it was gone after the Worlds but now it's just crazy. It's too much for me, actually."
The Belgian Bullet is known for being one of the more relaxed and chilled out characters in professional sport, but he admits that the huge increase in attention has been getting to him, making it hard to concentrate on his snooker. Furthermore, it has been an issue for his family and girlfriend too, as they can get sucked in to it and Brecel is trying to find a balance.
"It's everything, from everywhere, every day, something new," he said. "I say no to 50 per cent, so if I would do everything I would explode, I think. It's trying to find the balance, also for my girlfriend and family because they get sucked into it and I don't want that. I want them to have their own life and life with me. So it is tough finding a balance, I must say for me and my partner, but we're trying to work it out."
Brecel is aware that this year is one he has to make the most of, even if it is proving to be a challenge. The world title win has brought attention from all over the world, and even Belgium, where he is being asked to do podcasts with famous people, play in a number of different countries and partake in other fun activities.
The pressure may be off of Brecel since his win in Sheffield, but he admits that can be a bad thing too. He now sees many games as a free hit, which makes it hard for him to get motivated for them. He now needs to learn to find a balance between the world champion he is and the player he wants to be.
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