Over 70 tennis players will compete with the goal of securing the gold medal, including Facundo Diaz Acosta, Marcelo Barrios, Alejandro Tabilo, and Alexa Guarachi.
From Monday, October 23, to Sunday, October 29, tennis will take place at the Sports Tennis Center, located in the National Stadium. A total of 77 tennis players, including both men and women, will participate in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.
With the presence of 26 countries in this discipline at Santiago 2023, tennis has been a part of the Pan American Games since the first edition in Buenos Aires in 1951. The United States leads the historical medal standings with 63 medals, of which 27 are gold. Argentina follows with 16 medals, and Mexico with 14.
This sport offers four direct spots for the 2024 Paris Olympics, only in the men’s and women’s singles category. These spots will be secured only if the players are ranked within the top 400 in the world according to the WTA and ATP rankings, respectively, by June 10, 2024.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
The highest-ranked player entering the tournament is Facundo Diaz Acosta (ARG), currently ranked 98th in the world. The list of impressive players also features Brazil’s Laura Pigossi (ranked 148th) and Luisa Stefani (ranking 10th in doubles), along with Thiago Monteiro (ranked 126th), Canada’s Rebecca Marino (ranking 160th), and the promising Chile’s players Alexa Guarachi (ranking 69th in doubles), Marcelo Tomas Barrios (ranking 107th), and Alejandro Tabilo (ranking 119th), all of whom were highlighted in the photo.
“We have high expectations, waiting for this to begin. Representing your country is a significant responsibility and a matter of respecting the flag. The level is very even, and Chile is strong at home, and it will be felt. When playing for a medal, nervousness is even greater,” mentioned Guillermo Coria, Argentina’s tennis team captain.
“I’m living a dream. Representing my country is incredible and makes me a stronger tennis player. Partnering with Alexa Guarachi is an honor, and we’ve communicated well. Additionally, when you play for Chile, you must aim for a medal,” said Fernanda Labraña, Chile’s tennis player.
OPENING DAY
In the first-round matches on Monday, October 23, notable duels include the matchup between the fifth seed, Facundo Bagnis from Argentina, and Bolivia’s Federico Zeballos, while the seventh seed, American Tristan Boyer, will face Jamaica’s John Chin.
Chile’s tennis players will also take to the court. Gonzalo Lama will face Paraguay’s Hernando Escurra, and Fernanda Labraña will headline the day’s action against Dominican Republic’s Kelly Williford.
Source : Panam Sports
