This week, the Herald is reporting on the ground from the Argentina Open, so check back for updates!
Without any of Monday’s rain delays, Argentine Federico Coria (106th ATP singles ranked) took to the court to face Austrian Sebastián Ofner (38). After a marathon game lasting over three hours, the Argentine won 7-5, 4-6, 7-5 to secure a spot in the round of 16.
“I was lucky the coin fell my way,” said Coria, who at one point was 5-6 down in the final set. “I was very emotional, I had goosebumps and teary eyes. I felt that whatever the result, I was taking home a lovely memory, cause it’s something I hadn’t even dreamed of.”
Coria, 31, only reached his career-high 49th ranking in February 2023, and received a standing ovation at 5-5 in the third set.
“When I saw kids cheering for me, it struck me cause I instantly thought of myself cheering for my brother, who’s my idol,” said Coria, who is the younger brother of former top 3 ranked Grand Slam finalist Guillermo Coria. “That’s when you think ‘I can’t feel tired, I can’t complain, I lose myself in bad thoughts, because I have to give it my all for the people who’ve paid the entrance and give it my all, win or lose.”
Coria reached the semifinals of the Córdoba Open last week. He will now play in the round of 16 against Brit Cameron Norrie (20), last year’s runner-up.
Image: Federico Coria plays at the 2024 Argentina Open. Source: Argentina Open press