After three painful losses in tour-level finals, Tomas Martin Etcheverry has finally broken through to claim his maiden ATP Tour title.
The 26-year-old Argentine achieved the milestone in dramatic fashion at the Rio Open presented by Claro, where he battled through a demanding Sunday to defeat Vit Kopriva in the semi-finals and Alejandro Tabilo in the championship match.
The triumph marked a long-awaited breakthrough for Etcheverry, who had previously come close in the finals in Santiago, Houston, and most notably Lyon, where he held a championship point before falling to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in a deciding tie-break.
After lifting the trophy in Rio and rising 18 spots to No. 33 in the PIF ATP Rankings, ATPTour.com caught up with the Argentine to reflect on his perseverance, the challenges he overcame, and the people who helped him reach this career-defining moment.
What does it mean to win your first ATP Tour title?
It’s a dream come true. I’ve been working so hard with my team. I lost three finals before, so it was in my head. I had a new chance this week. It was tough conditions — physically. Today I played for four hours with the semi-finals [and final]. Yesterday there was a rain delay, today there was a heat rule… It was really, really tough, but I did it. I’m really proud of myself.
Who are some of the key people you would like to dedicate this trophy to?
My family and my girlfriend, who believe in me. My team, who supports me a lot. It was a tough year last year for me. I lost a lot of matches… I think they deserve this title. And myself.
After losing three finals, how much was winning a title on your mind?
I had a lot of pressure because I wanted to be an ATP Tour champion, of course. It was in my head. One of the goals of this year was to be ATP Tour champion, and I did it.
When you started the sport as a kid, what made you fall in love with tennis?
I started playing tennis when I was five years old. I love this sport so much. I like to travel and compete… I think this is the best sport in the world.
You said that Djokovic and Del Potro are your idols. What do you admire about each of them?
Juan Martin for Argentina, he made a lot of great moments for our tennis. He inspired me when he won the 2009 US Open. That night I cried a lot and I still think about that match. Of course, Novak because I like how he plays, how [even] now he is playing at the highest level with Jannik [Sinner] and Carlos [Alcaraz]. I think he is the best player in history.
What is the story behind naming your dog ‘Roland Garros’?
When I was nine years old, my father gave me a little dog. I named him Roland Garros because it’s my favourite tournament. He passed away one year ago, but he lived for 16.
What is something that people don’t know about you?
I like to build Lego. I’m a big fan. I have a little museum in my house now with Star Wars and other buildings. I think it’s really fun.
