Already inside the top30, Tomás Martín Etcheverry is at that cooking point where any tournament can be optimal to make a splash. But his story off the court is also interesting, in addition to his evolution.
It is here where the two essential elements came together for the interview to occur with Tomás Martín Etcheverry: the presence of the Argentine in the ATP 250 of Córdoba and the presence of the digital medium CLAY at the tournament. This is how a nice chat took place between the two, touching on topics from the past and present, which will help us get to know a little more about a man who is in fashion. A man who, furthermore, does not hide when asked about controversial issues, such as the threat of power from Saudi Arabia towards the professional circuit has been for weeks.
“I know that the Saudis want to participate in more tournaments and put in a lot of money, for me this is no problem. As long as there is more money to distribute among the players, not only for those at the top, but also for those in lower situations, of course it adds up. It was very difficult for all of us to be up there, especially the South Americans,” acknowledges the tennis player from La Plata, born in July 1999.
Professional since the 2017 season, Tomás has been accumulating increasingly positive experiences over time. Some, despite not ending the way he would have liked, have become unforgettable memories for everything they meant. As an example, just look at his match in the third round of the last Australian Open against Novak Djokovic, his lifelong idol. It is true that his intention went beyond losing in straight sets, although the Argentine keeps the good things about that duel.
“Novak first eats your legs, then he eats your mind and soul, until he finally ends up destroying you, it is totally true. He knew perfectly well what he was facing, he knew it was his track and his tournament. It’s like facing Rafa at Philippe Chatrier. It was a beautiful game, I did what I could, a unique experience that I will take with me forever. Obviously, I was a little upset because I couldn’t do what I was looking for, but it’s part of the path, you have to keep learning until another opportunity comes,” acknowledges the man who already reached the quarterfinals at the last Roland Garros.
Etcheverry, who in less than two years has gone from being outside the top100 to fighting to reach the top20, also talks about his foray into the locker room and his closeness with the big stars. “They are all very friendly: Alcaraz, Sinner, Djokovic, etc. They are great people, they always greet you and are very attentive. We also shared some time with Rafa in Brisbane, he was watching my game. It is a very diverse journey, different people from different countries, from different cultures. I have a good relationship with most of them, especially with my compatriots, Fran Cerúndolo and Seba Báez. We know that we are rivals the next day, but being far from home makes us less alone,” says the Argentine.
AN UNBREAKABLE STANDARD
But if something has caught our attention in the interview, at the same time that it has enchanted us, it is when Tomás asks the most curious question: has he ever broken a racket? Who else has ever broken, even Roger Federer, David Ferrer or Carlos Alcaraz did it. However, his response confirms that we are dealing with a talent that has things very clear, knowing what to do and what not to do.
“When I was a child, my parents taught me this very clearly: things cost a lot. It was always instilled in me that the racket is not to blame for anything, so I never turned my anger on it, nor do I want to show my opponent that I am angry. There are many children who would be delighted to have a racket, many have asked me for it, so I prefer to give it to them rather than break it,” he concludes.
2024-02-15 20:00:22
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