Over 900 people came to support their local heroes at the Capri Club in Posadas and enjoyed this special tennis day (click here to access the gallery).

Up-and-coming talents from the local club had the chance to hit the ball with Diego and Chucho and asked for some professional tips… “It’s a great experience, and I really had fun. It’s a chance to have the opportunity to play a little bit like them” said Manuel Belda, one of the lucky Junior. Playing vs Santiago Sandoval (10 years), Diego was kidding : ”He makes me run more than Chucho !”.

After the tennis clinic, Chucho and Gato offered a great show… People discovered Diego as a great entertaining talent, by goofing all along the match : ”Serve hard if you’re a man !”

After the loss of the first set and being a little bit out of breath because of the hotness, Diego threw some water on Fabito Cabral, one of the line umpire… And Chucho gave his racket to Santiago Romero (a young player who won his first ATP points this year) to finish the game.

Gato shared a round of applauses with his family : the TV presenter specified that there was a famous model in the crowd. “Applauses for my sister Tanya !”.

Diego made a funny comment about his father Ernesto, who said that his son would quickly be used the the high-level of tennis that Chucho was imposing. “My dad likes it when I play with pressure, but if he says that, then he must be right.”

The last joke was from Guillermo, Diego’s brother as he announced the first goal for Boca in the middle of the court !

“I”m satisfied by the result (over 30 000 pesos) and happy that Diego played with me, because people know him well here. We were about to cancel the event, because we had not enough sponsors to help us. But, at the last moment, the problem could be resolved. I would like it to be a “classic” event and that we can make more and more benefits every year.” said José Acasuso after the match.

Both players were also awarded by the Tennis Association from Misiones.

No doubt that in the future, we’ll see them again together for some other charity events…

(Pics and original Spanish text from Misiones Online, Tendencia Deportiva & Territorio Digital.)

Thanks to Diego’s brother Guillermo who was our local reporter, we have some nice videos from singles and doubles match during the Copa Petrobras in Asuncion (Paraguay), at the begining of October.

Before the Davis Cup final, enjoy some Argentinian tennis…

Videos 

On Sunday, I’ll be in Essen for the second day 2 of the Bundesliga competition : ETUF Essen will play vs Kurhaus Lambertz Aachen.

So, I’ll miss the Wimbledon final on TV. Aaargh… And then, I’ll travel to Stuttgart for a few days, to report from the Mercedes Cup (without Diego this time… ).

No idea what will be the Order of Play for Sunday, I’ll let you know as soon as possible !

Diego will play the first round of the Alessandria Challenger on Tuesday. His match is scheduled as second on the Center Court. His opponent will be a local player : Thomas Fabbiano.

Diego has already turned the French Open page and is now in Italy for the Alessandria Challenger that begins next Monday.

I’m heading for Paris for 4 days at the French Open… See ya all !

Well, the match was over, I could hopefully breathe again, I was about to become blue. I catched Diego after his victory to congratulate him, delivered him a gift, he stopped, smiling, to sign a picture and waved goodbye…

The day ended with Diego Junqueira, running like crazy on court and Eduardo Schwank going mad with his racquet. But that’s another story… I had the chance to chat with Edu. (And no, my Spanish is not THAT bad, lol…) Another nice and talented guy to follow. 

End of report. All missions accomplished. I can go home… Thanx for this amazing tennis day. Keep on rockin’ and smilin’ El Gato !!!

So. and now this are getting more serious for everyone. The first set was a little bit chaotic and stressful with the loss of the tie-break. Some important shots were lamentably called ”out”… Grrr.

After a couple of Argie swear words, flying rackets, some “knock knock” on the green tarp asking ballkids to shut up and some “sit down” later, Diego came back in the match ! Wowow, what a funny and entertaining afternoon here on court # 9 !!!

The poor Russian was completely out of order in the third set and it was a festival of great shots for Diego ! Fantastic victory !