ATP Delray Beach: 33-year-old "rookie" celebrates first win
Matija Pecotic launches a late attack on professional tennis. But with verve. The 33-year-old Croatian is in the round of 16 of the ATP Tour 250 tournament in Delray Beach after a three-set win against Jack Sock.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Feb 15, 2023, 08:25 am
Anyone who paid close attention to the United Cup 2023 may have seen the name Matija Pecotoc in the lineup for the mixed doubles. With the 4: 6, 6: 2 and 6: 2 against Jack Sock, the 33-year-old Croatian has now written in the main draw of an ATP tournament for the first time. And that as a part-time professional. Pecotic, who holds degrees from Princeton and Harvard, actually works full-time in finance.
"I had to get home from work early today," Pecotic said after beating Sock. "I sent an email to the whole team. My boss gave me the go-ahead. I have to ask him for a day off tomorrow." Matija Pecotic had already defeated two local heroes in the qualification: Steafn Kozlov and Tennys Sandgren.
And the newcomer will also face a US player in the round of 16 in Delray Beach. Marcos Giron beat Ben Shelton 6: 4 and 6: 4 in round one and can now compete with Pecotic.
Taylor Fritz is number one in Delray Beach ahead of his buddy Tommy Paul.