The story of Román Burruchaga, the son of the world champion who defeated Peque Schwartzman on his debut on the ATP circuit

Cordoba perhaps it has a special place reserved in the heart of Burruchaga. Over there, Jorge, World Champion with the national team in 1986, scored his first goal in the First Division decades ago against Estudiantes de Río Cuarto. His son followed him Mauro, who made his debut as a footballer for Arsenal when they visited Talleres last year. Now, as if destiny were written, it was the turn of Roman, which also took the first steps to continue the sporting dynasty in the geographical center of the country. But not as a footballer, but immersed in the world of tennis: he made his debut in the main draw of a ATP tournament nothing less than with an unforgettable victory against Diego Not much Schwartzmann.

With his hands raised, his eyes closed and an ever-present smile, just as his father celebrated the goal against Germany in the World Cup final, much of which he only knew through old replays, Román Burruchaga celebrates his first victory within the ATP circuit in the first round of Cordoba open. Nothing less than after winning 6-1, 4-6 and 6-4 to a Peque Schwartzman who continued without showing good tennis, in a duel that lasted just over two hours.

“I don’t want to talk too much about myself. It was the first ATP match won by Román. I’m angry with my level, but We need to see the positive side of the arrival of another Argentine. I hope he likes it and keeps moving forward,” Schwartzman acknowledged the talent of his winner, which forced him to extend the losing streak he has been on since last October.

At his 22 years old and fill the position 170 in the rankings, Burru son took the first step to begin forging his story in the world of racketeering. He did it at home after having played for a long time abroad, under the oppressive heat that hit the capital of Córdoba, but with the special motivation of having the support of a world champion. His father was in the stands of the center field of the Kempes sports polo, a property adjacent to the provincial stadium, where Jorge scored his first goal and Mateo made his debut as a footballer. Incredible but real.

“I’m really happy. I dedicate it to my family. He controlled well, but it’s never easy to close out a game, especially against Schwartzman. “I’m happy to have won my first ATP match,” Román said after needing four meeting points to define a triumph that he will perhaps never forget.

The young right-hander with a two-handed backhand had taken a giant step by simply securing qualification for the main draw, after beating Hernan Casanova AND Marco Cecchinato in which. Such was the importance of the situation that it pushed his father to take a flight that same Tuesday to be present at the debut of the competition, together with his coach. Leonardo Mayerhistoric 2016 Davis Cup champion.

“Always playing at home is special and I’m happy to have won. My father wanted to see me here“He has always supported me and now he will remain with us these days,” confirmed the 183cm tall debutant.

Now, with a place secured in the next round of the 250 category tournament, Román will face the German on Thursday Yannick Hanfmann (59th), who just won against the Peruvian Juan Pablo Varillas. A sufficient excuse for Jorge to extend his stay in Córdoba and continue practicing some of his favorite sports.

Yes why Tennis also crossed the life of Independiente’s idol. It happened during his stay in Nantes in France, where he took lessons and participated in some tournaments, although his highest calling has always been to fill the nets.

Like father Like Son. Because just like Burruchaga Sr. takes the racket as a Hobbieshis son Román did the same to him soccer. It even became his favorite sport until, at the age of 8, he discovered tennis and it drove him crazy. He did it at River, the club where he played football as a boy.

After having practiced both sports for some time at the Núñez institute, Román has decided to dedicate himself completely to tennis. And from an early age he made it clear that he inherited his father’s gift for sport. In 2016 he was part of the team that established Argentina as Under-14 world champions. Just as his father scored in the final, Burru won his respective match in the final against China. Furthermore, he also became South American champion in 2018.

This is how, after playing thousands of youth competitions, since the beginning of 2019, Román began to forge his path in tennis by competing in several ITF and Challenger category tournaments.

Although it wouldn’t be until mid-2021, having been formed by Mariano Cappuccio AND Mariano Monachesienwhen in Gdynia M15Poland, would win his first professional title.

Lifting the trophy allowed the boy to transform into First 700. Who would tell him that three years later he is wandering the waters occupied by the top 100 of the world ranking, with a victory against a former top 8 in the world on his shoulders, as Peque Schwartzman turns out to be.

But as in singles, Burru also stands out in doubles. It is positioned in the 291st position in the rankings -became 191- after achieving his best record in 2021 and 2022: He raised three M15s and took the Challenger from Sevillewithout ever repeating a partner in each of the consecrations.

Closing last year with a second place in Brazil, the experience gained year after year has allowed Román to aspire to a dream season. He demonstrated it by participating in the qualifications of ATP250 from Hong Kong and none other than from Australian Open. After being eliminated in both, the third time was fantastic and he now aims to continue advancing in the Córdoba Open in what represents the start of the clay court tour.

“The idea is to climb up the rankings as much as possible, learning, training and improving, and then the results will come,” analyzed Román after his night of glory. He seems to have a clear idea of ​​the steps to follow to start leaving his name written in Argentine tennis. And who says that, like his father in football, he can compete with the best in the world.