By Scoop Malinowski
Status: ATP no. 49. Won first ATP title today in Auckland 62 75 vs Taro Daniel in final.
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 165
DOB: June 2, 1997 In: Toronto, Ontario
First Tennis Memory: Going after school. My dad picked me up with my brother and we’d both go hit in the park and my dad would feed me some balls. I would really enjoy that. After school was something I was always looking forward to.
Tennis Inspirations: Well now… a while back was always to get to the top 100. Now I’m trying to do top 50. One day hopefully, get to top ten and see how far I can go. I’m playing pretty well, confidence is high, taking it step by step.
Last Book Read: Open for Andre Agassi.
Current Car: Recently got my first car in Chile – Audi A3, so I’m pretty happy with it (dark gray).
First Famous Player You Met Or Encountered: I think it would be either (Fermando) Gonzalez or (Nicolas) Massu, which was in Toronto. I grew up in Toronto. They’d go to play the Masters 1000. I’d always look for them in that tournament.
Greatest Sports Moment: I would say first ATP title in Auckland… It honestly feels surreal right now. I’m so happy, very emotional. I honestly never thought we were going to be here in the final. And still I would say first time qualifying for a Grand Slam and winning my first match, which was an amazing five-setter (AO vs Daniel Galan). The highlights of my career so far.
Most Painful Moment: Losing in the final, 250 in Cordoba.
Favorite Tournaments: I would have to say Australian Open has been my favorite so far. And also the Santiago Open which I love playing at home.
Funniest Player Encountered: Tiafoe.
Funny Tennis Memory: Nothing pops in my mind right now.
Strangest Match: When I was really little I was playing a national and I won a set without losing a point which is kind of strangest and quickest match I ever played.
Embarrassing Tennis Memory: No, I wouldn’t say anything was embarrassing.
Why Do You Love Tennis: It’s something I always grew up with my brother. I always looked up to him. He didn’t play well but when I was little, he was the first one to play and I always wanted to play with my family. That’s just how I grew up.
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: I always have to say lemon or lime.
Best You Ever Felt On Court: I think so far throughout the Cordoba Open, which was recent, it was just the whole week I was feeling in tune. When I played with Schwartzman it was obviously a great match. Pretty in the zone there.
Fiercest Competitors Encountered: I would have to say one of the toughest has been (Daniel) Altmaier. He’s always very, very intense on the court and always showing great energy. So it’s like I feel like I have to match his energy, to be up with that intensity.
Favorite Players To Watch: Nadal obviously. He’s my favorite player so far.
People Qualities Most Admired: Loyalty is always a top quality for me. And sense of humor.
Alejandro Tabilo · Babolat · Chile · Lotto Tennis
Scoop Malinowski · September 19, 2022 at 2:15 pm
Another Chilean lefty steadily rising up the rankings. Will play Steve Johnson in the first round of San Diego ATP tournament this week.