He AAT Challenger Santander Villa María edition concluded this Sunday. After eight days of pure tennis, the final act did not disappoint. The Argentine Camilo Ugo Carabelli and the Dutch Jesper De Jong starred in a definition worthy of the category of the contest. A match of more than 180 minutes, which was defined in three sets and in front of a packed stadium, perfectly exposes the historic week that was experienced in the Sport Social Club with the largest tournament ever held by the Argentine Tennis Association.
It is clear that what happens on the field remains with the camera flashes. But we must not overlook what is required behind the scenes of an event of this magnitude. The attention to the players, the provision of meals, hospitality, transfers, balls, towels and the press roomamong many other issues, are essential for the life of the contest and must be ready days before the fluorescent light begins to roll.
The first day of action cannot be missed in the overall balance of the tournament that the Córdoba city hosted. The initial round of qualification gave the formal start, with the participation of 16 Argentinesamong whom were promises, players who are on the medium circuit and those already experienced. Perhaps, those who captured the public’s attention the most were the youngest: Lautaro Midón, Juan Manuel La Serna and Fernando Cavallo. The latter, born in Mar del Plata 18 years ago, made his debut at the level Challenger. Despite the defeat against Rodrigo Pacheco Méndezleft very good impressions.
On Monday, it was planned to know the qualifiers for the main draw and at the same time enjoy the first three matches of the round of 32. However, the rain was present and forced the tournament authorities to cancel the entire dayleaving the seven albicelestes standing expectantly in the previous phase. Tuesday brought no problems and a schedule of fourteen games was carried out normally, which concluded with a categorical and premonitory presentation by Camilo Ugo Carabelli.
Thanks to the decision to leave entry to the venue free of charge until Wednesday, the public began to gather and took advantage of the beginning of the doubles and the second round of singles to attend the debuts of the two best seeds, as well as others. candidates: the Argentines Federico Coria, Francisco Comesaña, Román Burruchaga and the Bolivian Hugo Dellien.
Thursday and Friday were defining days in both tables. Three Argentines advanced to the semifinals in singles and the remaining place was occupied by a foreigner: the Dutch Jesper De Jong. For its part, it was known that the pairs final would be between South Americans, with the Brazilians Marcelo Zormann and Orlando Luz and the Bolivians Boris Arias and Federico Zeballos.
Saturday and Sunday were special days, without a doubt. Tension and excitement about sports were palpable, in addition to the notorious satisfaction of the public. The call exceeded expectations. He Sport Social Club It was packed with people. Still, everything went perfectly. Families, friends and children enjoyed the best tennis in the world, in addition to being able to interact for a few minutes with the protagonists after the matches. This would have been impossible without the management of the Argentine Tennis Associationwhich once again brought the national sport closer to the interior. In this case, neither more nor less than the largest Challenger of the season that took place in the country.
Now, the action of ATP Challenger Series continue on Brazilthe next station on the South American tour. The Villa María tournament sets the bar high.
