“As a person, it doesn’t change anything. But, as a player, I gain a little more respect on the circuit. And it changes confidence — trusting myself more, finding myself, finding Guto on the court.” With this phrase, said in the press interview after the match, Guto Miguel summarized what the title won this Saturday (6) in Paris means: more than a trophy, a credential. The 17-year-old from Goiás defeated American Michael Antonius 6/3 and 6/4, in 1h15, and became the first Brazilian to win the youth singles title at Roland Garros.
At the press conference, Guto responded with ease to questions from foreign journalists in English and those from Brazilians in Portuguese. “It was a lot of hard work, from me and my team, not just this week, but for many, many years. I think it’s all worth it now. I’m very happy, enjoying the moment, but staying humble because we still have a lot to do.”
The Brazilian fans, the majority in the stands of the Simonne-Mathieu court, were a recurring theme. “We are a football country. The fans are always very supportive and I enjoy playing with that. I want to thank everyone who supported me today. I will never forget that day.”
When the comparison with Carlos Alcaraz was made by SheetGuto confirmed — and went further. “They’ve already told me that. My coaches, Dumont and Kike, tell me that, because I’m also a physical athlete. My physique is a little similar to Alcaraz’s, of course, I’m still a long way from his level.” He reaffirmed that his reference is tennis player João Fonseca.
The title comes at a time when Brazilian tennis is experiencing one of its best phases. “Brazil has an incredible history here at the French Open — what Guga did, what Fonseca did this week. And now I think I did a little more for Brazil. I think Brazil is having a good moment again.”
As a child, his idol was Novak Djokovic. Today it is Fonseca. “The inspiration doesn’t come from the type of game — it’s more from the personality of the game.”
The two never trained together, but they have a connection. In last year’s US Open semi-final, Fonseca sent him a message: “Come on, Guto, ‘keep believing, you got it’.”
“We didn’t train together, but we are connected,” said Guto.
For young Brazilians who watch him, he left a direct message. “I’m showing that it’s possible, if you work hard, believe in the process, believe in the coaches. It’s a dream that’s not too far away, but it’s difficult to achieve.”
And the next dream? “It would be a dream to return here next year playing professionally,” he said. “But just live in the present, enjoy the moment, live this journey step by step, because this transition is not easy.” And he summarized, as he always repeats: “Hard work is the key to the process.”
