Yesterday the French Open had me in a nostalgic mood. The day started with legendary Brazilian Gustavo Kuerten (Guga) introducing his new autobiography “French Passion”, which is available in Portuguese and French but should come out in Spanish and English soon. And it’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t love Guga.
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The three-time French Open winner drew a heart in the clay after a tough fourth round win in 2001 here in Paris, and it’s a gesture that remains a constant reminder of Guga’s endearing personality and charisma.
The 38-year-old spoke to the media yesterday about his first visit to the French Open back in 1992 when he would try to convince the security at the gates that he was a player coming to compete in the juniors event. He talked about how his coach, Larri Passos, told him to put clay on his shoes and socks so that guards would believe he was a tennis player. Little did he know, though, that the title would be his on three occasions.
The great, great Guga Kuerten speaking to the media today. Did we mention he’s great? #RG15 pic.twitter.com/UsGcF7uf5b
— Matt Wilansky (@mattwilansky) May 30, 2015
Guga also paid tribute to his family for the sacrifices they made for his professional tennis career. He recalled: “My brother stopped playing tennis [at] 15 to 16 years old to let me try, because we did not have money for both of us to play. So he stepped out for me to have a better chance.
“Another stage, we had to sell the car and the piano. My mother had some jewellery and she would have sold our house to give me a chance. It’s a real measure of their commitment.”
Later in the players’ lounge, former players Selima Sfar (ex-world No 75 who is now a commentator for beIN Sports) and Younes El Aynaoui (ex-world No 14) were chatting to some of the press when none other than Argentina’s Gaston Gaudio came to join in.
The 2004 Roland Garros winner is an old friend of Younes’ and stopped by to say hello. He’s here in Paris for the Legends’ event which starts in the second week of the tournament and he’ll play doubles with Sergi Bruguera.
It’s hard to believe it’s been 11 years since Gaudio’s win and he doesn’t look like he’s aged one bit. Definitely a nostalgic day at the French!
