Getting to know...Thomaz Bellucci - 網球 Tennis

http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/news/articles/2010-05-25/20100525127481135
1228.html

Tuesday, May 25, 2010
By Eric Frosio

After making a name for himself in 2009, Brazil’s Thomaz Bellucci is now
ranked world No.29. His dream: to follow in the footsteps of his idol Gustavo
Kuerton, three-time winner of the French Open.

In 1997, the lofty long-haired ‘Guga’ Kuerton arrived in Paris with a
suitcase full of multicoloured outfits and a hotel reservation at the
Mont-Blanc, not the most prestigious of establishments. As he smashed his way
through to the French Open final (defeating Muster, Medvedev and Kafelnikov
along the way), Brazil discovered a new sport. By the time Guga dispatched
Sergi Bruguera in the final, Brazil and tennis were new best friends.

“Before Guga, Brazilians thought tennis meant tennis shoes.”

For most Brazilians, the rules of tennis were a mystery. Diana Gabanyi,
Kuerten’s press agent, even found herself explaining the basics – enigmas
such as ‘tie-breaks’, ‘aces’, ‘clay courts’ and ‘Grand Slams’ – to
journalists. “Before Guga, Brazilians thought tennis meant tennis shoes…
Most people knew absolutely nothing about it. Thanks to Guga, Brazil really
got into the sport.”

In 1997, Thomaz Bellucci was ten years old. His family lived in Tieté, São
Paulo, where he followed his predecessor’s every move on TV. “I remember
watching Guga in ’97,” says Bellucci. “I was crazy about him. Brazil was
only just discovering tennis, the whole country was behind him. It was
incredible.” And history repeated itself a mere three years later, when Guga
beat Norman in the 2000 French Open final, and Corretja the following year. “
The tournament was a real turning point in Brazil’s history. For us, the
French Open is THE tournament to win,” gushes the Brazilian left-hander.

Bellucci, no stranger to success

For the world No.29, things look good this year. On Monday, he sent Michaël
Llodra packing in straight sets (6-4, 6-4, 6-2), boasting an aggressive and
precise game. The Brazilian’s success is impressive: ranked world No.199 in
2007, he moved up to No.90 in 2008 and No.36 in 2009 with a first circuit win
at Gstaad.

His current ranking comes on the heels of a second title at Santiago, Chile,
where he once again played on the red dirt. “I’ve made a lot of progress,
because I’ve been working hard,” he says. “I’ve been really focussed, and
I’ve grown up a lot. I’m hoping to finish in the top 20 this year.”

"Guga: an example, not an encumbrance”

Bellucci has some catching up to do if he wants to match Guga. While the
Brazilian contingent includes Tiago Fernandes, winner of the junior
Australian Open, tennis players are still a rarity. Bellucci is by far the
best tennis player in the country. At 22 years old, he’s not letting the
pressure get to him.

“It’s inevitable that people compare me to Guga. It doesn’t bother me. I
don’t put any more pressure on myself because of Guga. I prefer to learn
from his experience whenever we meet. He gives me advice on managing my
career. Guga is an example, not an encumbrance.” The kind of example he’d
like to follow… “But if I win, I won’t be drawing a heart on court like
Guga did. I’ll draw something different.”

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