Fans and players gathered to hear the latest insights and hot takes before the main draw began. It was an exciting and engaging start to what promises to be a thrilling tournament! The talented host, Carolina Guillén, led interviews where attendees asked the players various questions.
The eighth edition’s leading players shared details of their lives and enthusiastically discussed sports, professionalism, and audience questions.
Miguel Angel Reyes-Varela and Hans Hach, Mexican doubles players, began their evening discussion at Cabo Sports Complex and offered a class on the Mexican system to boost national talent in tennis.
Next up was Diego Schwartzman, Argentina’s 2019 Cabo Tennis Open champion. He spoke about his early career and how fortunate he was to have the support of his parents. He also mentioned the abundance of sporting talent in Argentina during that time.
Other in-depth discussion topics were current mental health issues and the influence of social networks. “It can be difficult for the younger generation. When I was in school, smartphones didn’t exist, but now they seem to be everywhere. This can create both positive and negative pressures. Personally, I don’t feel affected by it too much since I have everything blocked on my phone. However, it may be more of a concern for my family.” said Diego.
A fun exchange was made with El Peque, in which he had to choose only one option between the Arthur Ashe or the Bombonera or what he would name his son Diego or Leo? Their answers were the Argentine stadium and Diego Jr.
World No. 12 Casper Ruud was the final guest to appear, and he shared how his father, a former tennis player, influenced his career development. He also revealed his dynamic for combining personal and professional sports life.
“It’s hard to balance; there are several sacrifices, and I’ve had to decline invitations, but I try to focus on things outside of tennis as well. I have a dog, and it takes time. I won’t play forever, and I’ll have time for those other things.”, shared the three-time Grand Slam finalist, who has up to 70 flights a year and assures that he will not travel excessively in retirement.
The Mifel Tennis Open by Telcel Oppo 2024 starts today, February 17th, 2024, with seven matches – five in singles and two in doubles. The presentation of the British Jack Drapery–Daniel Evans and the Italian Matteo Arnaldi.
While the Mexican Hans Hach Verdugo will compete in doubles with the Venezuelan Luis David Martínez.
SINGLES:
- Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) – Jack Draper (GBR)
- Daniel Evans (GBR) – (5) Roman Safiullin
- Max Purcell (AUS) – Matteo Arnaldi (ITA)
- Constant Lestienne (FRA) – Alex Michelsen (USA)
- Alesandar Kovacevic (USA) – Brandon Holt (USA)
DOUBLES:
- Hans Hach Verdugo (MEX)/Luis Martínez (VEN) – Rinki Hijikata (AUS)/Aleksander Vukic (AUS)
- Andrew Harris (AUS)/Dominik Koepfer (GER) – Nuno Borges (POR)/Andre Goransson (SWE)
In its eighth edition, the tournament features a main draw consisting of the top four seeds: German player Alexander Zverev (1), Greek player Stefanos Tsitsipas (2), who won the championship in 2023, Australian player Alex de Miñaur (3), who was last year’s finalist, and Norwegian player Casper Ruud (4), who advanced through the first round with a bye.
Since its first edition in 2016, the tournament’s champions include Ivo Karlovic, Sam Querrey, Fabio Fognini, Diego Schwartzman, Cameron Norrie, Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
