Luis Augusto Queiroz Miguel, known as Guto Miguel, is champion. The 17-year-old from Goiás defeated American Michael Antonius, 16, 6/3 and 6/4 on the Simonne-Mathieu court this Saturday (6), in 1h15, and became the first Brazilian to win the youth singles title at Roland Garros. Before him, Edison Mandarino (1959), Thomaz Koch (1962 and 1963) and Luís Felipe Tavares (1967) had reached the decision in Paris. None took the trophy.
With his forehand as his main weapon and dropshots that destabilized his opponent’s rhythm, the Brazilian dominated physically and tactically – he played, from the first game, like someone who already belongs to the professional circuit.
In the first set, Guto broke Antonius’ serve twice and built an advantage that he did not return. The American saved four set points before the Brazilian closed at 6/3. The court, which had started with half of the stands occupied, filled up as the game progressed. With around 70% capacity in the second set, the majority of the fans were Brazilian – and they made themselves heard. “Olé olé olé, Guto Guto!”, echoed by Simonne-Mathieu.
In the second set, the script was repeated. Guto returned from the change of sides with the same intensity, broke again and opened 5/2. Antonius reacted, returned the break and reached 5/4. But the Brazilian maintained the advantage, wasted a match point, and closed on the next. Aggressive, fast and with multiple options during points, Guto was reminiscent of the Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz: that combination of physical energy, tactical intelligence and wide repertoire that doesn’t let the opponent adapt.
With the title, Guto becomes the fourth Brazilian Grand Slam youth singles champion, after Tiago Fernandes (2010 Australian Open), Thiago Wild (2018 US Open) and João Fonseca (2023 US Open). It also consolidates its leadership in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) youth ranking, which will be made official in this Monday’s update (8).
At the age of 17, with an ATP ranking of 829th in singles and 177th in doubles, Guto is already making the transition to becoming a professional. The title in Paris comes at the right time – and in the most eloquent way possible.
