2024-03-03 16:40:24
After 12:30 noon, under an oppressive sun and killing humidity, two Uruguayan teenagers celebrated, at Lawn Tennis, their first title in professional tennis. Joaquin y Federico Aguilar Cardozo18-year-old twins, established themselves in the M25, after beating the Argentines 6-4 6-3 in the final Franco Ribero y Luciano Ambrogi.
The week was particular for the brothers, at least in the doubles table: after beating the Argentine in the first round Tomás Lipovsek Puches and to romanian Matei Onofrei, 6-3 7-5, won two games due to the opponent’s failure to show up, and went directly to the final. “Strange week, with little rhythm, but luckily we were able to win the games we played,” Federico told LA GACETA. “Very happy to have done it with him,” he adds, pointing to his brother.
Both had, to counteract that lack of rhythm in doubles, several matches in singles. The two won the three qualifying matches to access the main draw; There, Federico was eliminated in the first round, while Joaquín reached the quarterfinals, where he fell to someone who was also the executioner of his brother: the Canadian Liam Draxltop favorite for the title.
“It helped a lot, because we quickly got into the rhythm of the heat, the balls,” Federico acknowledged, about that previous filming. For his part, Joaquín assured that it was a “very good week” for both of them. In his case, it is also repeating good performances in Tucumán: last year, he obtained his first ATP point in the M15 of Lawn Tennis. “This year I was able to defend it. Yesterday I narrowly missed the game, but it was a very good week, and we are very happy,” he said. Regarding what makes them feel comfortable in the province, they were surprised with his answer: “the climate, because we adapt quite quickly,” said Federico.
Despite being Uruguayans, Joaquín and Federico have lived in Argentina since they were 10 years old. In fact, they competed in several regional and national tournaments. “From U-10 we play here (in the country); Then we followed that path of playing regional, national, until the age of 14, when we began to play Pro Tour (men’s professional circuit), and then Futures (of the International Tennis Federation),” said Fede, who has a ring in one of his ears, something that functions as a distinction with respect to his brother. “I did it and he didn’t give it to me, but now it’s a big difference we have,” he said, laughing.
Is it easier to play doubles with your brother? “Depends on the day. He has his pros and cons, but we have a very good relationship, so it makes it easier for us,” said Joaquín. And, of course, it’s also easier to challenge yourself when you have to. “He does it more than me, but we challenge each other a lot,” added “Joaco.”
Both already had the experience of being part of a Davis Cup team call-up, something they shared in the last series the team played, against Moldova. Joaquín was even in charge of closing the match against Moldova, with the duel tied 2-2, and he did so with a victory. “It is an incredible experience, a very unique sensation,” said “Joaco.” Of course, the dream of playing doubles together, representing the “celeste”, is: “we have the captain who plays doubles very well, but who says that at some point he could touch us”; Federico hoped.
Both already have ATP rankings in singles (Joaquín 1030° and Federico 1306°), they are excited about a great future on the circuit, but they are going step by step. “My personal goal is to improve day by day, to feel better as a player, mentally, and to progress, which I am doing very well. Afterwards, I believe that the results, if we do things well, will happen. In doubles the same thing, keep playing with him, and let the results happen,” said Federico. Joaquín agreed, and added: “I don’t think so much about the ranking; “I’m always thinking, yes, about being a better player day by day.” For now, both leave Tucumán with a trophy, and with great expectations for what is to come.