[法網] One on one with…the future of Brazilian tennis
這次法網多了一些巴西人參加，官網特別寫了文章作介紹。
http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/news/articles/2009-05-23/20090523124309488059
3.html
Gustavo Kuerten may have packed away his rackets and started taking acting
lessons, but Brazil still boasts a few young players who are dreaming of
emulating their illustrious compatriot this year at Roland Garros. They may
not be household names in Europe, but Thomaz Bellucci, Franco Ferreiro and
Marcos Daniel have all secured their place in the draw. Daniel has been
rewarded with a first-round match against the King of Clay himself, Rafael
Nadal.
Marcos Daniel, 29 years-old, world ranked 96: Spiritually inspired
Like many Brazilians, Marcos Daniel first dreamed of becoming a footballer.
He and his father were regulars on the pitches in Rio Grande do Sul until a
serious knee injury put paid to his future as a footballer. But tennis soon
filled the void: "I first picked up a racket when I was 12, and quickly came
to love the sport. Even when my friends were going to the beach I would stay
behind and practice," remembers Daniel.
By the time he turned 19, Marcos had turned professional and signed up with a
sponsor. But then a slipped disc struck a terrible blow to his progress. For
four years he was virtually unable to move, and the injury nearly pushed him
to end to his budding career. Then, on the long road to recovery Daniel found
God. He became an Evangelist and joined the Atletas de Cristo ("Athletes of
Christ") association, alongside the footballer Kakà. "It is thanks to
God that I didn't give up," he says. "He helped me to keep going and get out of
the dark hole I was in. My family were also there for me. I owe them a lot."
Since then, "el padre", as he is known by his friends on the circuit, has
forged a respectable career for himself, the highlight being an ATP ranking of
No60 in September 2008.
Today, Marcos Daniel is ranked world No96 and eager to make up for lost time.
At nearly 30 years of age, he feels he still has progress to make. After
getting through the qualifying rounds, Larri Passos' ex-pupil drew the short
straw and faces Rafael Nadal in the first round. Not that he is overawed. "I'm
really excited about the match! Facing the King of Clay on Centre Court at
Roland Garros – that's great, isn't it? And you never know… Nothing's
impossible."
Franco Ferreiro, 24 years-old, world ranked 186: Music in his veins
One look at his forearm gives you an idea about his personality: the tattoo
of a record on a turntable is unlike any other. In fact, Franco Ferreiro is
not much different to other young people of his age. He likes night clubs and
techno. A big fan of house music and David Guetta, he loves to get behind the
turntable and DJ in the clubs of Porto Alegre, his home town. "It's my way
of unwinding, getting away. Some people need to take drugs for that. Music is
my drug," he explains. Some have speculated that the supremely talented
player with the superb forehand has sacrificed success for his love of the
night life. At 24, "Franquito" is only No186 in the world rankings.
"I could probably play better," he admits. "But I'm becoming more mature. I
can feel it. I manage my matches better. I'm handling my temper better as
well." Ferreiro's newfound maturity helped him make it through the
qualifiers and secure a spot for the first time in his career in the main
line-up of a Grand Slam. "I'm extremely happy. This is a dream come true.
I was 9 years old when I first saw images from Roland Garros on television.
Making it through is also a relief since it is going to help me a lot
financially. I am going to call up my family to invite them to come and see
me play in Paris (against Feliciano Lopez )." When the great experience is
over, he can also invite them to Paris' hottest nightclubs to unwind with
him and dance to his favourite DJs...
Thomaz Bellucci, 21 years-old, ranked 120: Brazil's new hope
Thomaz Belluci is undoubtedly Brazil's biggest tennis hope. After a great
2008 season, Bellucci broke into the top 100. The left hander won four
challengers, disposed of a few top players on the circuit and even put up
great resistance against Nadal in the first round of Roland Garros. This
season should have seen him come into his own, but apart from a fine run at
Costa do Sauipe where he defeated Ferrero and only lost by a whisker to
Robredo in the final, Bellucci has not turned any heads.
He has lost all the points he racked up during the same period last year, and
now finds himself ranked at No120. Could it be the shy young man is finding
it hard to assume his role as Brazil's No1? "I have not played very well
these last few weeks," he admitted to Fabrizio Gallas of Lance. "I have
dropped in the rankings but I have to put that behind me. I am positive and I
have high hopes because I know I'm technically on top of my game." Belluci
will definitely need that positivity to beat Vassallo-Arguello then Igor
Andreev in the second round.
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