Attending to know Thiago Agustin Tirante

Learn extra about Djokovic conqueror

By Grant Thompson

“It’s going to be one of the days that I will remember for all of my life.”

Those had been the phrases of Thiago Agustin Tirante earlier than even stepping on courtroom to face 24-time main champion Novak Djokovic.

The Argentine was ecstatic to go toe to toe with a sporting icon. Upsetting the all-time chief in ATP Masters 1000 titles? That is one other degree of pleasure for the 25-year-old, who shocked three-time Cincinnati Open titlist Djokovic 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 on Saturday.

“This is the best win of my career,” Tirante stated in his on-court interview. “I think I did a really good job inside the court. I managed it very well, the nerves and playing against a legend like Novak.”

Who is the comparatively unknown Tirante? Continue studying to study extra concerning the rising participant.

Where the dream began

Tirante started taking part in tennis as quickly as he may stroll, alongside his grandfather.

It was solely becoming that amongst Tirante’s first calls after his memorable win was to his grandfather. “I spoke with my dad and grandfather,” Tirante stated, hardly an hour faraway from his win. “I’m going to call my mom as well. I think this is a very, very important moment for me and my family as well. I play tennis for this kind of moment.”

What had been his desires as a toddler? “To win the US Open,” Tirante recalled, noting he prefers onerous courts to clay — unconventional for an Argentine. “That was the one.”

Tirante’s tattoo, greater than ink

Tirante has a tattoo on his chest that reads, “If you can dream, you can do it”. He proudly lived by that motto in entrance of a packed P&G Center Court crowd.

“I did this tattoo when I was 14 or 15 years old,” Tirante as soon as advised ATPTour.com. “I really like the words. I always remember these words. It’s a lot for me because I have it on my body and also in my mind. I always think of those words. It is very significant to me.”

History for Argentina highlights breakthrough season

Only 4 gamers from Argentina have defeated Djokovic: Tirante, Guillermo Coria, David Nalbandian and Juan Martin del Potro, the latter three who all ascended to World No. 3 all through their standout careers. Tirante is the primary since Del Potro on the 2016 Rio Olympics, ending Djokovic’s 22-match successful streak towards Argentines.

“After the match, [I was] thinking about my family, my friends who are in Argentina watching me,” Tirante stated. “I think they are really happy to watch me on TV. It’s very special for them, and for me as well. They are in Argentina, but they are in my head as well.”

Tirante has solely begun making a splash at ATP Tour degree. Just 10 days in the past, he ousted current Washington champion Taylor Fritz en path to a fourth-round run in Montreal. He has tallied a career-best 24 tour-level match wins this season, having entered the yr with simply 10 in his profession. After beginning 2026 exterior the Top 100, Tirante started this week at a career-high No. 50.

Thriving below highlight

Still early in his days competing on the game’s greatest levels, Tirante isn’t afraid of standing throughout from the world’s elite. He holds a powerful 4-1 report towards Top-10 opponents.

“I trust in myself. I think I can separate what they do for the sport and what I have to do to win that match. I think that’s the most important thing when you play with one of these big guys,” Tirante stated. “I play more free because I have nothing to lose and I like the big stadiums. I think the most important thing is that I enjoy it.”

Interactions with Federer, Nadal & extra

While Tirante’s conflict with Djokovic marked his solely assembly with a ‘Big Three’ member, the Argentine had beforehand practiced with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and different stars on the 2019 Nitto ATP Finals.

“I think it’s a privilege to share a court with Novak, almost a three-hour match with so much intensity and I think the people liked it,” Tirante stated. “Everyone there was crazy, screaming or something like that. I enjoyed it so much. I think it’s for sure one of the best days of my life.”