Tennis

Tomas Martin Etcheverry, Argentina's rising tennis star, defies the label of a "clay-courter." Despite his prowess on the dirt, Etcheverry has embraced the challenges of hard courts, thriving on the travel grind that has hindered many South American players in the past.Etcheverry's unique approach sets him apart from his predecessors. He relishes the nomadic lifestyle, finding comfort in the constant competition and the support of his girlfriend, Belen Raimondi. This resilience has propelled him to the ATP's Top 37, just shy of his career-high ranking of No. 27.Etcheverry is part of a new wave of Argentine players who are challenging the established order. With six players in the ATP's Top 100 and eight more in the Top 200, Argentina has become a breeding ground for tennis talent. This "Legión 2," as Etcheverry suggests, is characterized by a healthy rivalry and mutual support.Unlike the previous "golden" generation, which was marred by internal strife, this new group fosters a positive environment. They share practice courts and PlayStations, pushing each other to greater heights without resorting to underhanded tactics.Etcheverry's success on hard courts is a testament to his versatility. He believes that Argentines can excel on any surface, dispelling the myth that they are solely clay-court specialists. His adaptability and determination have earned him respect and admiration from his peers and fans alike.As the Asian Swing approaches, Etcheverry is confident in his ability to regain his Top 30 status. He recognizes the challenges of the long travel stretch but remains unfazed, embracing the opportunity to showcase his skills on a global stage.

Francisco Comesana, a 23-year-old Argentine tennis player, has made history by becoming the first Argentine man to reach the third round at Wimbledon on his debut since David Nalbandian in 2002. Comesana's remarkable journey began with an upset victory over world No. 8 Andrey Rublev in the first round, marking his maiden Grand Slam win, tour-level win, win on grass, and win over a Top 20 opponent. He then overcame former University of Tennessee standout Adam Walton in a grueling five-set second-round match.Comesana's success on grass is particularly impressive considering his limited experience on the surface. However, his natural skills, including a deft backhand slice and a willingness to approach the net, have served him well. His compatriot, Facundo Diaz Acosta, believes that Comesana's ability to execute precise shots and control the ball's placement gives him an edge on grass.Despite facing financial challenges in his early career, Comesana is now set to pocket a career-high $180,000 for reaching the third round. His performance at Wimbledon has also secured him a spot in the Top 100 of the ATP rankings and a likely berth in the US Open main draw.Comesana's success is a testament to his hard work and determination. He has overcome injuries and setbacks to achieve his dream of playing at Wimbledon. His journey is an inspiration to young tennis players around the world, proving that anything is possible with perseverance and belief.