Horacio Zeballos started playing tennis when he was very young, almost naturally, at the club Edison Lawn Tennis of Mar del Plata, founded by his father, with whom he shared the name, a year before his birth. At the same time he began to learn the rules and concepts of chess, that is it is also covered. Years passed and the man from Mar del Plata became a recognized figure in Argentine tennis. He first had a very good career in singles, he decided to focus entirely on the doubles circuit and in a short time became the best doubles player in the history of our country. His love of chess did not fade. He continues to be passionate about sports and whenever he can vice he stands out in front of the board.

“This is an amazing game, where you have to think a lot and you have to have a strategy. Nakakaexcite naman. My dad taught me when I was little and I played with him all my life. now i do well on-line. I enjoyed it so much. The truth is I played it almost every day “, said the man from Mar del Plata, number three in the world in doubles, in a chat with Clarion.

Zeballos acknowledges that although at first glance chess has no resemblance to tennis, when he comes out on the court he often has in mind some things he has learned (and continues to learn) in “game-science”.

“There are some aspects where it’s similar to tennis. Chess is a sport where you have to be patient and think well. I bring a lot to tennis. Because it makes me think a little bit about each play and not just rely on it feeling say: ‘I’m going for this ball and not for this one’. And as well as enjoying the time. Because of chess you are always in the present tense. You cannot anticipate yourself or stay in the past, especially if you play for hours. So you’re always trying to live in the moment, ”he explains. Onion.

Those who know him say he’s a great player, though he insists it’s not like that. But the truth is that his passion for this sport is not limited to just playing it. Because it consumes everything chess -related: books, series, movies. And of course, the best players in the world.

“I follow Magnus Carlsen and all the masters. Also on various chess sites to try to watch some games live. And I want to re-enjoy some good old games, where there are amazing ones. Amazing move. I’m really passionate. ” , he acknowledged.

From singles to doubles

As a single player, Zeballos came to occupy the 39th step of the world rankings and won a title. It was in Viña del Mar 2013, when he defeated Spaniard Rafael Nadal in a final he will never forget.

In 2018 he started to focus more on doubles competitions and since then he has never stopped growing. At the end of 2019 he started playing with the Spaniards Marcel Granollersof which he won six trophies, played twice ATP Finals (they were semifinalists in 2020 and 2021) and reached the finals of the US Open 2019 and Wimbledon 2021.

Last year, when they were crowned in Madrid, the player from Mar del Plata broke Guillermo Vilas ’record and, with 17 titles, became the most winning Argentine in this discipline. Now he is 18.

“The thought that I have more trophies than Vilas is something that’s very crazy and I really enjoy it. So I keep working every day, trying to break new records and build my own. career, “said the four -time champion in Buenos Aires: in 2010, with the Sebastian Prieto | included; in 2018, with Molteni; in 2019, including Maximo Gonzalez; and in 2020, including Granollers.

Although the Mar del Plata man admitted that what surprised him the most in his new life as a doubles player had nothing to do with the titles or the results of the numbers.

“I consider that I had a nice singles career, but because of this doubles career that I am doing and the things that I am reaping, I feel that people are following me much more than before. They like, they approach me and them. ask me tactical questions, “he maintained.

“I make my name and I love it. I want to see that people are enjoying it and that they’re having a good time. That’s what amazes me the most. And I’m excited about it. Playing on Buenos Aires which always has the whole field is very beautiful ”, acknowledge.

And he added: “Argentina has always had the best singles players and I consider myself part of it. I have always believed in singles. But now that I have dedicated myself to doubles, I see that there is these are attractive things and people like them. I hope I grow up little by little“.

-Considering all of that, if you could come back, would you do both races or would you choose to make the change from singles to doubles sooner?

-I won’t change anything. Because as a single player I had a chance to beat Rafe in a battle that people keep telling me. Think about what that is. I wouldn’t change it for anything, even madness. And in my last years in singles, I also reached the round of 16 at Roland Garros (in 2017 he lost to Dominic Thiem) and made it to the semis at As of Godó. I’ve been playing doubles for three or four years and I take care of myself physically so I can perform another three or four years, because I want more. But nothing can change that. I think it all happened at the right time.

HS