The former world number three and 2020 US Open winner was in attendance to watch his beloved Blues last weekend, as we recorded a comprehensive 7-0 victory over Port Vale to secure a place in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley.

It was the 32-year-old's third visit to Stamford Bridge, but his first sitting in the Dugout Club. It was a new experience for a lifelong Chelsea supporter, who recalls to us the players he grew up idolising, where he was for that special night in Munich in 2012, and what the club means to him.

Take us back to the start. Why did you start supporting Chelsea?

'I started supporting Chelsea when I was around ten years old. It was during a holiday that we were in the Champions League against Arsenal. I remember Chelsea winning and that was the day it clicked. From that day on, there was no going back!'

Was there anyone else in your family, or among your friends in Austria, who also supported Chelsea?

'Yeah, my best friend who is actually here with me [to watch our FA Cup quarter-final victory over Port Vale]. He's another great Chelsea supporter in my inner circle.'

Who were your favourite players growing up?

'The first player I idolised was Frank Lampard. He was also the first player I had on my jersey back in 2004. Then, of course, I idolised Didier Drogba and later Eden Hazard. Now, it's Cole Palmer, I would say.'

What is your favourite Chelsea memory?

'My favourite Chelsea moment by far was 2012, our Champions League win [over Bayern Munich]. I remember being in the Czech Republic, as I was starting to play men's tennis and was playing in a really small tournament.

'I was alone and remember going to this really ugly restaurant – or something like that – and it had this really disgusting carpet. But when Drogba scored the deciding penalty, I fell to the floor completely alone and kissed that disgusting carpet!

'It is one of the best memories of my life.'

When was the first time you visited Stamford Bridge?

'It was back in 2014, the Champions League semi-finals against Atletico Madrid. Yeah...it wasn't the greatest result for us, unfortunately, but it was my first time here, so it is still a great memory.

'It's funny, I remember I was maybe going to go into the dressing room after the game to meet the players but everything was cancelled after they lost, which was understandable. It made it even more painful defeat but it's still a good memory.'

Have you had the opportunity to meet any of our former or current players since?

'Yeah, I know Filipe Luis quite well. Timo Werner, I've met also, and there are a few others as well [over the years].'

You were in the Dugout Club for today's game. How much did you enjoy that experience?

'The experience was great. Seven goals was amazing, it was a great atmopshere and we're into the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley. So yeah, it was a super nice afternoon.'

What were your highlights?

'There were many highlights! To see that close to the pitch, for example, the control Cole Palmer has of the ball, or like how fast Estevao and Pedro Neto are, it's incredible. It's really impressive that there were so many of those moments, the intensity and physicality, it was super interesting for me to see.'

We've seen you post on social media previously wearing a Chelsea shirt with the No.99 on the back. Is there significance to that number for you?

'I put it on my player on EA FC when I was playing career mode, that was my number! Now it's changed to the No.14.'

And finally, as a supporter of 22 years, what does Chelsea mean to you?

'The connection to the club is super important to me. I've been a fan since 2004 and it's such a nice thing to support the team every weekend. It's only my third time here at Stamford Bridge, but there are a lot of positive emotions – and something I value – being able to sit down to watch every weekend and support the team.

'It's such a nice thing to have a great connection to a football club and, for me, with Chelsea, I hope it is going to be forever like this.'