French Open Produces Stirring Breakthrough Tale as 24-Year-Old Argentinian Tennis Player Pays Heart-Warming Tribute to His Late Father After Registering Memorable Win

Almost every year, a few touching and emotional journeys of lesser-known players come to light at major events. Amid all the hype and hullabaloo over well-established stars and seeded players, the heartwarming stories of the lesser mortals make the sport more humane and more relatable to the millions of fans watching. Perhaps this is why sports can connect with the masses at such a grand level. Tennis is no exception. The ongoing French Open has brought forth one such wholesome journey of a certain 24-year-old Argentine.

Genaro Alberto Olivieri, who played his first tour-level main draw match at the Roland Garros, recently opened up on his heart-touching story that has made the fans emotional.

Rising tennis ace Genaro Alberto Olivieri’s emotional homage to his late father

The Argentine battled his way through the qualifying rounds of Roland Garros and earned his spot in the main draw, marking his first ever tour-level main draw appearance. He continued his impressive run when he won the first-round match at the French Open. During the post-match press conference, an emotional Olivieri paid tribute to his father, who lost his life during the pandemic.

“He was my sidekick. He helped me in every way. He started to learn a little more about tennis & even helped me with that. I always remember him. I hope he’s watching everything happening to me this week & that he has an even bigger smile than I do”, said the 24-year-old. His words were certainly heart-touching and tragic.

Olivieri even recalled how he stopped playing tennis after he lost his father to Covid-19, due to lack of motivation. However, when he stepped onto the court again after 3 months, he felt blessed with a newfound strength that gave him an edge in important and difficult matches. He also weighed in on how his family, especially his mother, supported him emotionally and helped him continue playing his beloved sport.

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Olivieri’s dream run at Roland Garros finally ends

Genaro Olivieri, currently placed 231 in the ATP rankings, shocked the tennis world by qualifying for his first tour-level main draw at the French Open. In round 1, he was up against French wildcard Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. He won his maiden grand slam match 7-6(3), 4-6, 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 in a 5-set epic. In the second round, Olivieri was challenged by fellow qualifier from Italy, Andrea Vavassori, which he overcame in 4 sets – 7-6 (7), 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (3) to reach the third round. Unfortunately, his fairytale run at Roland Garros finally came to an end when he lost in straight sets to world number 6 and one of the title contenders, Holger Rune.

The young Argentine has certainly made a mark on the tour with his impressive breakthrough run in the past few weeks. The tennis world might have a surprise package in its hands. The Argentine will certainly be one to look out for in future tournaments.

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