Adaptive Tennis: Olympic dream on the move

Gonzalo Cabrera Terrazas

THE GAZETTE

“I was surprised by the results, I didn’t expect it to happen that way.” TO Gonzalo Lazarte The emotion lasts after obtaining the runner-up in adapted tennis doubles, for the “Master Junior Cruyff Foundation” tournament. For this reason, she allows herself to look at the future with optimism and does not plan to stop until she achieves one of his main goals: qualifying for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

“It is the first time that I play the Master, because last year I did not enter. This experience was almost unique, a tournament different from the rest, it has another structure. The positive thing is that I felt at the same level as the other boys, who are the best eight in the ranking”, highlighted Lazarte about the competition held in Tarbes (France).

This tournament belonging to the ITF (International Tennis Federation) is carried out in conjunction with the sports foundation of the former Dutch footballer Johan Cruyff, which since 1997 has been dedicated to promoting projects to improve the physical and mental health of children.

The man from Tucumán, located eighth in the ranking, made a pair with the Australian Benjamin Wenzel (4th). Far from having problems with the language, what was a little complicated for Lazarte was the time to coincide in the game with his colleague. “With English I am not a native, but I was able to communicate quite well with him and with his coach. When playing it was much more complicated, because he is left-handed and I didn’t know him. We had played a match against and nothing more”, explained “Gonza”. Both beat a duo of Australians in the semifinals, but failed to win the trophy. “The rivals in the final were superior. We need to continue improving ”, he warned after losing 6-1 and 6-0 against the duo Maximilian Taucher (Austria)-Joshua Johns (Britain).

In addition, Lazarte also participated in the singles category. With two groups of four players, the first two of each zone were classified there. Despite winning two of the three matches he played, he was left out on a set difference. Curiously, it was against his doubles partner, Wenzel. “I was very close to passing but I lacked the second game of the three. I’m left with things to improve to get better to the next tournaments, “said Lazarte, putting aside the regrets and determined to see this experience as a learning stage.

Beyond so much action, the youth took advantage of his stay to get to know a little about the French city. “It is the first time that I go to Tarbes. I was always passing through there, I never stayed. I still want to see the Eiffel Tower, since I wasn’t in Paris”, yearned “Gonza”. He also took the opportunity to show all his devotion to the Virgin of Lourdes, in the sanctuary located in the High Pyrenees. “In Tarbes I was able to visit the Virgin and thank her. In San Pedro de Colalao, whenever I can I go to the cave, ”he explained.

Now more relaxed, Lazarte has his sights on the Pan American in Colombia and the Junior World Cup in Portugal. But to travel the tennis player asks for a hand, due to the economic situation of the country. “All the practices were of some use,” said Lazarte, who does not set a ceiling and goes for more. “This year I would like to be among the top 100 in the senior professional ranking. All this with the aim of reaching the Paralympic Games”, emphasized the man from Tucumán, focused on putting the Argentine flag at the top.