Alexa Guarachi (29 years old) has already made history at Roland Garros, but she is far from satisfied. The first Chilean to reach the quarterfinals in Paris since Anita Lizana’s time is going for more in the doubles competition, where Together with her partner, the American Desirae Krawczyk, they have already knocked down the Taiwanese Su-Wei Hsieh and the Czech Barbora Strycova, the best couple in the world, and tomorrow, at 07.00, the pair will go through the passage to the semifinals against the Japanese Shuko Ahoyama and Ena Shibahara, seventh seeded. The setting for that meeting will be the mythical Suzanne Lenglen court. In the run-up to that momentous duel, the tennis player born in the United States, but Chilean of blood and heart, reviews her feelings with La Tercera.
What was the first thing you thought about when you beat the top seeds of the tournament?
Perhaps, as the adrenaline was so high, we did not feel so much in the moment. But then, on the way to the hotel, we realized that what we had achieved was really something important. However, we are aware that it was not the final either and we have to move on.
How does it feel to know that Chile is talking about your achievements?
The truth is that I feel very happy knowing that I can bring alegrías to Chile. I feel very excited because people follow me so much. In addition, I am very happy to help girls follow me and to help Chilean tennis grow.
A couple of months ago, you mentioned that your goals for this season were be within the top 25 and reach at least the quarterfinals in one of the Grand Slams that remained to be disputed. Now that that goal is almost met, do the objectives change at all?
I haven’t thought about that much. I am very focused on what I have to do. The tournament is not over and we are focusing on the next step. I will think more about the objectives at the end of the year. For now, I am happy to be ending the season the way I am.
After eliminating the best couple in the world, do you see the title closer?
I know well the rivals that are ahead in the tournament and I think those who play better will triumph. I think all the games are going to be very close. Now we are trying to stay in the present and then we will worry about the rest. But I go into tournaments, thinking about winning them. It is not something very different from the initial plan that we had arrived here. If it happens, we will be very happy. We feel very good and if we continue playing like this, anything can happen.
What aspect do you feel you need to improve?
I know my progress has been made by competing against the best, but I would like to improve my game by going a little more online.
What is the key to complementing yourself so well with your partner?
It’s very interesting, we are very close friends and we complement each other very well. We are very different, but we feel mutually supportive. When one is lower, the other is there to support her in that difficult moment. In that sense, we are confident enough to tell each other things.
France is one of the countries that has had the most difficulties with Covid in recent weeks. Are you worried about that situation?
We are aware, but not concerned because we follow the protocols. In this bubble we are very controlled. In fact, we have had between 12 and 15 tests throughout the tournament. Every two days they give us tests.
In November is their marriage. How have you handled the preparations from France?
It will be a very simple ceremony and I am very supported by my parents in that regard. I’m in constant conversation with my boyfriend, Vince, about the preparations. Later, later, when the conditions are met, we are going to have a bigger party with all our loved ones.
