While the Tuesday of the AAT Challenger Santander Villa María Edition It was marked by seventeen Albicelestes that made their premiere in the main box, Infobae He placed the focus on an unknown character that carries the story of a real globetrotter and a small – and very recent – relationship with our country: Biggest Jones.
This Monday, after the end of the qualifying stage, Maximus jumped to the picturesque Court 2 of the Sport Social Clubin what one of the first meetings corresponding to the main draw. The Filipino tennis player beat the Brazilian Joao Reis da Silva with partials of 7-6 (4) and 6-4 to settle in the second round of the contest that is played in the middle of the semi -arid pampas, on the banks of the Calamuchita River.
During the defining point, which sealed its ticket to the next instance, the current 378 of the world ranking crossed a curious situation: at the time it performed the first service cut the rope of its racket, without intention. However, through two slice, he eliminated the last champion of a ATP Challenger an Argentina. “I realized instantly, because it made a strong noise. But I had to concentrate. It was 40-30, Match Point. I tried to attack with two slices and take the network, ”he explained.
Jones was born on September 5, 2004 in Sydney, Australia. But, at five years, he moved to Thailandhis mother’s country. There, at seven, he started his way in white sport. “My mother wanted me to compete under the flag of Thailand. And my father, who is from Australia, also agreed”, Recalled in dialogue with this medium.
Although he did not stand out in Juniors, He achieved two professional titles in 2023its second year in the circuit. From last year it was installed full time in Spacealthough he still did not learn the language and communicates, only in English. “I don’t speak Spanish, very few words. I have adopted some things, such as their food and the schedule in which they have dinner. I liked it a lot”He said.
During the current season, in April, he got his first trophy at the Challenger level from the qualy in Abidjan Ia contest that marked the milestone of being the first in its category to play in Ivory coast. “I didn’t think much. I went to match and, when I realized, I was in the final”He recalled about that symbolic title.
On tennis in the Asian nation he represents, he commented: “It’s fine. We have had good players in the past. There are enough boys who, at present, are playing a good level. In 2003 we had a top 10, Paradorn Srichaphan, and in 2007 a top 100, Danai Udomchoke”.
Srichaphan, considered the best tennis player in the history of Thailand, was the Asian with the best location (9th) in the ATP ranking until the arrival of Kei Nishikori to the circuit, who played a final of Grand Slam and reached fourth place. Currently, Paradorn is available to local tennis players and, in parallel, he has his own academy, the Paradorn International Tennis Academy. In addition, his 7 -year -old daughter STRACAPAIN PANCHAcompete in the events of minors of golf in Thailand.
Jones’ first raid in Argentina was this year, in the Challenger 50 of Santa Fewhere he fell in the second round of main draw. His relationship with the country began from his coach, Andreas Pasuttiand United Tennis, the academy based in Mallorca which counts on your squad with albiceleste coaches. “They made me know the culture. The roast, that I like, and the mate, although I do not consume much“, held.
“It’s different. Having grown up in Asia, I have no formation on brick dust court South America.
About his style of play, he explained: “I am characterized by being aggressive. I also have a powerful service. When I was little, my example to follow was Juan Martín del Potro”.
While at this time it is on the step 378º del ranking ATPthe 21 -year -old Filipino dreams of playing the qualies of the Grand Slams and reach, at least, the Top 50. “I think it is possible, that I can achieve it. I’m still young, I have to stay concentrated and go along the right path,” he said.
This Wednesday Jones will try to follow his adventure in the AAT Challenger Santander Villa María Edition Before the Bolivian promise Juan Carlos Prado Ángelo. According to Head to Head, the Asian gave in the two clashes with each other: In 2024, in the Davis Cup, and this season, at the Challenger in Lima.
