ATP Challenger Tour: Burruchaga? There was something!
Roman Andres Burruchaga wants to follow in his father's footsteps. However, on the ATP tour. Burruchaga's father, Jorge Luis, was a legendary Argentine footballer.
by Florian Heer
last edit:
Aug 28, 2022, 07:34 pm
"Burruchaga, still Burruchaga, Toni hold the ball - no!" That's how ZDF reporter legend Rolf Kramer accompanied the decisive 3-2 goal for Argentina in the final of the 1986 World Cup against Germany in Mexico. Led by the legendary Diego Armando Maradona, the Albiceleste triumphed for the second time since 1978 at a football World Cup. However, the winning goal scorer is Jorge Luis Burruchaga. Words and images that probably still ring in the ears of many sports fans or are clear in their minds.
It is less well known that the son of the former world-class soccer player from FC Nantes is a professional on the tennis tour. Roman Andres Burruchaga is ranked No. 311 in the ATP World Rankings, the best the rising Argentine has achieved to date. The 20-year-old from Buenos Aires has already won two individual titles on the ITF World Tennis Tour. Burruchaga was successful both times in Poland last year. This week he is at the ATP Challenger in Toulouse.
"There's still a lot to improve, but that's exactly what I try to achieve every day," says Burruchaga after winning the first-round qualifying game. “I want to be in the top 100 in the world and compete in the best tournaments. That is my goal."
He describes his own playing style as solid from the baseline, both forehand and backhand. Playing smart is the key to success for him. "I also like going to the net to close the point from there," adds the former striker's son. Clear.
From football to tennis
Burruchaga is well aware that his name, especially in Germany, is still well known and sometimes evokes negative memories. "I also played football for River Plate for a long time," said the gaucho, who couldn't help but smile a little.
“But at the age of 10 I decided to play tennis. I love this sport. My father supported me in my decision. We have a great relationship. He's also a big tennis fan and watches a lot of my matches."
The week in southern France, however, Burruchaga will be supported by his coach Mariano Monachesi. They train together at the Liceo Naval in Buenos Aires. “I want to compete in the qualifiers at the Australian Open next year. That would be great,” says Burruchaga, who will play another tournament in Europe after the week in Toulouse.
Then it's back to South America, where a whole series of events are scheduled for the beginning of summer in the southern hemisphere. Excellent conditions to consolidate the points required for participation "Down Under" and to make the name Burruchaga even better known in tennis.