Even before this year the French Open has been a place of fond memories for 22-year-old rising star Christian Garin.
It was six years ago at the tournament where he reached the final of both the singles and doubles competition in the juniors. His run to the singles title was by no means a walk in the park. Players he defeated on route included Cameron Norrie, Laslo Djere, Borna Coric and Alexander Zverev. He became only the second player from his country to win the boys title after Fernando Gonzalez back in 1998.
It was fitting that Garin’s first main draw win at a grand slam would also happen at Roland Garros. On Tuesday he defeated American player Reilly Opelka 7-6(0), 7-5, 7-6(7), in the first round. It was a far from easy match for Garin, who only managed to convert one out of eight break point opportunities. Nevertheless, he managed to prevail over his lacklustre opponent, who produced a costly 61 unforced errors.
“I’m really happy. Reilly’s a great player, of course. It was a really tough match. The third set had many chances, and he couldn’t break. And the tiebreak was also really tough.” He said.
“I’m really happy. This year has been an amazing year for me, so I’m really happy to be in the second round of Roland Garros.”
The victory is Garin’s 20th on a clay court during what has been a breakthrough season. Since January he has cut his ranking in half from 86th to 37th. He peaked at 33rd earlier this month. To put the rise into perspective, Garin only made his top 100 debut in October. He has won clay titles in Houston and Munich. Ending Chile’s 10-year wait for a champion on the ATP Tour. It was in Munich, where he recorded his first top 10 win over Zverev.
“It’s true that for the past few months I have been playing well.” He reflected whilst speaking to Spanish media on Tuesday.
“Honestly, having the opportunity to continue in such a tournament in such an important week is great. I have a lot to continue improving, but it’s probably one of the best moments in my career.
Lately, I have only had positive moments, so I’ll try to continue in this way.”
The praise
The rise of the 6”1’ right-hander hasn’t gone unnoticed by his rivals. He is currently in 23rd place in the ATP Race to London. Furthermore, he is yet to lose a match when it has gone the full distance in 2019. He is coached by Andres Schneiter, who once worked alongside the controversial Mariano Puerta.
“I really like him as a player. He’s really good and talented backhand, and the forehand with a lot of spin. I think he serves well.” Dominic Thiem said of Garin.
“I have never played him in a match, we just practiced Barcelona and here (Roland Garros).”
“He has won two titles already and played a very solid clay court season. I think he has the potential for a lot, and I like him. He’s a very nice guy. I hope to see him on the top.” He added.
During Garin’s career, he spent time training at the Rafa Nadal academy in Mallorca, which was created by the 11-time French Open champion. In recent years an array of tennis stars has travelled to the facility to tune up their game.
“He’s a very dangerous opponent, one of the most dangerous opponents on clay, especially, and he has a good potential.” Nadal commented about the Chilean.
“He decided another way (to leave the academy), and things are going well for him. I wish him all the best.”
Garin’s next challenge will be three-time grand slam champion Stan Wawrinka. The Swiss player won the French Open junior title exactly 10 years before Garin did. It will be the first meeting between the two. Despite the disparity in experience between the two, Wawrinka is taking nothing for granted.
“It’s a beautiful match to play. He’s an excellent player. He’s won a lot of matches this year on clay.” Wawrinka previewed.
Garin is one of two Chilean men to feature in the French Open draw this year. The other is Nicolas Jarry.
