By Scoop Malinowski
Astute tennis observers know the story about Federico Agustin Gomez of Argentina. ATP veteran, 28 years old, down and out, mental health woes, career hanging by a few threads. Entered US Open qualies having lost points and ranking this summer after some big Challenger results last summer.
Ranked 206 and in urgent need of points and prize money, Gomez won his first two qualies matches versus Lukas Klein and Federico Cina. And today he faced France’s Hugo Grenier and a perilous 67 04 deficit.
Gomez looked dazed and confused, frustrated and near dead. I left at 0-3. After roaming around I came back and it’s suddenly a madhouse and 54 Grenier but somehow Gomez whipped the crowd into a frenzy and he stole that game for 55. The kids sitting next to me were going crazy for Gomez who acknowledged his new fans after every point. He was clearly feeding off the positive energy.
Grenier was overwhelmed by the turn of events and could not reverse the momentum. He had one quiet guy next to me for him but that was not nearly enough to help his cause. Both gladiators held and then the tiebreaker followed. The Gomez forehand was the best weapon on the court – or was it his furious intensity, which made Grenier look tired and burnt out and even a little afraid to win and defy what all the people wanted on court 10, a Gomez comeback triumph.
Gomez took the second set and then rolled to 20 in the third. But then Grenier got back on track and showed signs of life for 12. But every time Grenier had his small chances to get back to equal ground, he would fumble it away. Two missed returns after saving game points. A miss just wide. A missed ground stroke. A double fault. It almost looked like he was too subdued and didn’t really want to win anymore, after losing control in the second set, like he felt in his mind he didn’t deserve to win. But he had opportunities to save the match and end Gomez’s fantasia.
Maybe Gomez is just a phenomenal fighter and nothing was going to stop this musclebound tennis hulk who looks like he could play middle linebacker for the New York Giants. Boy, does Gomez thump the forehand, it’s one of the biggest in the ATP. And he is a showman on the court, he can inspire a crowd to support as if he was born and raised in NYC.
The court’s full gallery was totally behind Gomez. One guy yelled out, “New York loves you Gomez!”
Another guy started a chant, “Give me a G, give me an O… …Gomez! Gomez!”
If the US Open qualies had a Hall of Fame, this match would be in it.
Gomez ultimately prevailed 67 76 62 and will pocket the $57,200 and another $110,000 for a first round main draw heavyweight duel with Jack Draper.
Argentina · Federico Gomez · Head tennis · Lotto · US Open
Steve · August 23, 2025 at 4:07 am
According to the commentators on ESPN+ at 6-7. 0-4 Grenier’s coach said something like “Okay, 7-6, 4-love, win two more games and close this out” Gomez heard this, gave the coach an earful and used it as fuel to win.
In fact, and I know you’ll find this interesting, Grenier got in Gomez’ face and I thought they might come to blows as the comeback began.
Maybe the court 10 replay on ESPN+ will have that commentary.
Scoop Malinowski · August 23, 2025 at 8:13 am
Steve that does not make sense for the coach to say something or anything provocative in such a moment so close to the finish line. The coach had to be sensing some danger to feel the need to say anything to Grenier at that moment. Was Gomez starting to show fire before of after this coach comment? I would guess after. Great match though, unforgettable action and atmosphere.
Steve · August 23, 2025 at 3:57 pm
Yeah, I think the momentum switch happened because of the comment. Agassi once told a story of one of his team celebrating too early against someone and he knew at that moment the opponent would rather die than lose.
The commentator of the match relayed the comment. Perhaps it was made in French and the coach assumed no one would understand it.
Gomez was even high-fiving a little kid right by Grenier’s coach. lol Grenier also was imitating Gomez’ grunts for a game as the comeback was taking place.
Def. a fan of Gomez now but also feel bad for Grenier. Grenier has a throwback Kevin Curren-esque serve motion.
Scoop Malinowski · August 23, 2025 at 8:19 pm
This reminds of a match Washington years ago Paire vs Karlovic 2014 and Paire was mocking Ivo in French to his box unaware that Ivo understood French. Ivo won the marathon 76 67 76 and confronted Paire about it after the match and they had words on the court and outside the court on the walk back to locker room. Once again it’s a French misjudgement. Grenier’s coach’s idiotic comment ignited Gomez’s fire.
Cory · August 27, 2025 at 12:12 am
Missed that match but great to hear about it. I do remember the Paire / Ivo Washington match. Paire also said some ish about Mitchell Krueger at [i believe] that tournament when he lost to him. Is Paire done done?
Scoop Malinowski · August 27, 2025 at 8:57 am
Yes that is a wrap on the great Benoit Paire, the show is over. He lost 1R at his last three Challengers in May/June and hasnt played since. His ranking now is 686 and his last match was a 26 26 loss to Martineau.