Many of the albiceleste rackets are well-known soccer fans. Boca, River, San Lorenzo, Gymnastics… the spectrum is wide. They are all united by the love for Argentine national team. And for Messi, of course, mastermind and material author of the third star.
Due to the unusual date on which the event was held in Qatar, several of the most brilliant names in Argentine tennis lived the World Cup in Argentina, among friends, family and the preseason for 2023. Several of the protagonists of the Argentina Open reconstructed those days to Ambit.
Precisely, Francisco Cerundolocurrent No. 1 in the country in the ATP ranking, lived the World Cup with friends: “Luckily in December I was here, otherwise it would have been very rare because I would have to watch each game in one place”.
The presence of any Argentine in the rest of the globe never goes unnoticed, especially after such a feat. “When we arrived in Australia all the players called us ‘Argentina, Argentina’, ‘Messi'”recalled the eldest of the Cerúndolos about the congratulations, although he also acknowledged that “others bitched at us, or told us that we were lucky.”
“It had repercussions everywhere, a lot of people saw the World Cup and when they realized that we were Argentines, they said something to us. It was something beautiful for everyone”, the porteño was proud.
In the same way, Pedro Cachina native of Bell Ville, does not recognize himself as a soccer fan because he lost his passion but “he did for the National Team.” “I watched the entire World Cup in Argentina, with friends, because I did the preseason here. It was incredible”recalled the man from Cordoba smiling and happy.
The number 68 of the ATP spoke with this medium during his preparation for the Argentina Open and one of his experiences involves the Australians, just rivals in the round of 16 of Qatar 2022. “They received you telling us that we were world champions, or at least they congratulated us. The drivers of the tournaments were the first. They welcomed us very well”confessed Cachín, who also stressed the kindness of the oceanic people: “They are very social, they ask you all the time how you are, what you lack.”
Franco Davin, experienced former coach of Juan Martín Del Potro, Gastón Gaudio, Fabio Fognini, among others, described to Ámbito not only that he saw the World Cup between the US and Argentina but also the hubbub of the Miami neighborhood where he lives and a striking comparison between the “Torre de Tandil” and Messi.
“I live in a community where there are many Argentines, many Latinos, so life was barbaric. It was nice, because being outside many people greet you, congratulate you, you have a good time “he expressed.
However, despite the happiness, the former number 30 in the world went further and narrated the “anger” that remained because “Messi had a hard time convincing us Argentines of what he is.”
“I think about what could have happened if I didn’t win. He annoys me a bit. It’s long overdue to be where it is now. What would have happened if Argentina left in the first round? And Messi was always the same. I’m very happy. Everyone wanted him to win.”he lashed out.
Finally, Davin recalled that “I lived a lot with Del Potro, because people constantly ask you. I fought a lot with him because of that, because the opinion of someone he didn’t know affects him.”
The second favorite of the Argentina Open is Cameron Norrie. He has the particularity of being born in South Africa, although his parents are British, so he chose to represent the land of his ancestors. His coach Facundo Lugonesand his kinesiologist, Julian RomeroThey are Argentine, which may represent a problem of tolerance in terms of a world title and light blue and white effervescence.
“I didn’t suffer, I told them before the tournament: ‘If Argentina wins, they can’t go around talking about the victory and how good they are and that they are world champions’, and from the first day they were very humble, which was very Well”confessed the number 12 in the world.
In addition, far from any rivalry, he recognized his joy for the 10 of the magical left foot “Sadly we couldn’t reach the semifinal, but they were able to reach the final and it was very special. I supported Argentina, I was happy that they won and I think Messi deserved it.”.
Thomas Etcheverry He lives dream hours at the Argentina Open with his first time in the quarterfinals. Platense, he is a gymnastics fan, although the final in which the cast of lionel scaloni their triumph over France 4-2 on penalties saw them far from home.
Tandil was the venue chosen by Etcheverry since “He went to Juan Mónaco’s club and several people went to see him in a bar. We party there. In Australia all the Argentines were crazy, we are not going to forget each other anymore”.
Almost two months ago, Argentine tennis, like millions of other people, celebrated with Messi. The cry of “we are world champions” sounded shrill.
Source: Ambito
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
