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Biofile Darwin Blanch Interview
No comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Articles, Scoop
By Scoop Malinowski
Status: ATP ranking 166. Won his first ATP Challenger title yesterday at Tiburon Challenger. Second youngest player to earn ATP ranking points at ITF tournament in Spain – 14 years, 5 months (2 months older than Nicolas Alvarez Varona 14y 3m in 2015).
DOB: September 28, 2007 In: Boca Raton, FL
Ht: 6-4 Wt: 190
First Tennis Memory: In my backhyard in Thailand playing with my siblings and our coach there.
Tennis Inspirations: Novak (Djokovic) for sure. His discipline on and off the court – it’s very, very good. I try to apply that to myself.
First Famous Player You Met Or Encountered: I met a bunch of them when I was young but I don’t really count that. I would say mainly, most time… Carlos Alcaraz. I met him when I was 13. I got to spend a lot of time with him on and off the court. We practiced at the same place. I would say Carlos Alcaraz.
Last Book Read: I haven’t read a book in a long time. I think maybe like Matilda when I was 8. I haven’t read since. I struggle with that. (Note: I gave Darwin a copy of my new book Facing Andre Agassi.)
Current Car: I don’t have a car yet. So far, now, none.
Greatest Sports Moment: I would say getting my first Masters 1000 win in Miami this year (def. Struff 63 36 63). It was a big moment for me and a big achievement for someone my age. I felt amazing. I was super happy. And winning Tiburon Challenger (def. Mmoh in final). Before this tournament, I wasn’t coming off the best results at all. I had seven first round [losses] in a row, which I don’t think I’ve ever had in my career.
Most Painful Moment: I would say when I lost a Challenger final last year in Knoxville. I was up a set and ended up losing. Too good by Mitchell (Krueger), he played a great match. It was a tough moment for me because I really wanted that title.
Strangest Match: More of conditions, when it’s really windy or weird condition. It’s happened a bunch of times but nothing too crazy.
Funny Tennis Memory: When I was younger my friend hit me like on my stomach. They were laughing at me. It was a pretty funny moment. At the time I was a little sad or pissed when it happened but now I look back it was a funny like moment between us, we still talk about it.
Why Do You Love Tennis: I feel super happy when I play it. And it’s obviously my passion, it’s what I work for. I just feel super happy on court and I feel like that’s super important.
Which Match(es) Did You Feel At Your Absolute Best: I feel like last year in Winston-Salem when I passed qualies and I won a round. I felt like super super well like, level-wise playing. That was a big peak of level for me there. I feel like all the matches I played amazing (def. Boyer, Royer and Coric before losing to Alexandre Muller 76 36 57). I played four matches – in all four matches I maintained the same level. I didn’t decrease the level. I sustained the level.
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Cookies and cream.
Favorite Artists: I like many. I’m gonna say Drake.
Funniest Player Encountered: I’m gonna say Gael Monfils. He’s a super funny guy. We’ve had some chats here and there. I feel like he’s super funny.
People Qualities Most Admired: The respectful and super humble.
Top photo by Ray Collins
Carlos Alcaraz · Darwin Blanch · Gael Monfils · Nike · Novak Djokovic · Tiburon Challenger · Wilson Blade
