The European team highlighted the atmosphere of a packed BALTC, in addition to being fascinated by the national food. Of course, there is a small complaint…
For the first time in history, The Lithuanian Davis Cup team has to travel to Argentina to play in the World Group I playoffs and earn the right to play in the Qualifiers for the 2024 finals. As the first experience in our country for almost the entire Lithuanian team, They were surprised at “unbelievable” environment of a packed Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club, in addition to be fascinated by the national food. Of course, there is a small complaint…
Berankis, on playing against Argentina: “I didn’t know the fans were so passionate”
Ricardas Berankis (231st), previously top-50 in the world ranking in 2016, is the the only member of the Lithuanian team to have made it to Argentina. In 2013, at the age of 23 he trained for two weeks in Buenos Aires with Gabriel Markus, a former Argentine tennis player and figure coach. Earlier, just after the age of 15, Berankis set foot in our country for the first time: It was in Mar del Plata for a Junior event.
From his past experience with the present, the Lithuanian assured in a press conference that “I really like this country, especially the meat. Argentina is an amazing country”. And as for the chance to return for the Argentina Open in 2024, he clarified that, though “The stadium is incredible and the conditions are fantastic”doesn’t believe he’ll come because he’s about to undergo shoulder surgery and is expected to return to the courts in January, so he won’t be ready for February.
On the other hand, the 33-year-old tennis player specifically referred to his match against Sebastián Báez, who fought but lost 7-6 (6), 5-7 and 6-3. “I didn’t know the fans were so passionate and it’s incredible”, he assured. But he also has a complaint: “Of course, I’m not used to yelling between the first and second serves. Everything else is wonderful.”
Gaubas, surprised by the people and the food
Vilius Gaubas (476th), who had to open the ice for the Lithuanian team in the first game against Francisco Cerúndolo, He is only 18 years old and, although he is a promise for his country, he does not have much experience at the ATP level. After playing a great game they lost 6-1, 6-7 (6) and 6-2, in the conference He emphasized public persuasion as something that was scary for him.
“In the first set, I was stressed. The atmosphere was incredible with the people supporting Francisco. To me it is strange, I’ve never played in front of a crowd and it quickly left. In the second set I scored more balls and was more aggressive. The Argentine public is wonderful. Normally they encourage the locals”, detailed Gaubas. Then, when asked what he knew about our country, he explained: “What I know most about Argentina is the architecture. It’s very beautiful and I like the tall buildings. The food is delicious”.
Pictures: Gustavo Garello/Jam Media/Getty Images.
Source: Tycsports
I’m Rose Brown , a journalist and writer with over 10 years of experience in the news industry. I specialize in covering tennis-related news for Athletistic, a leading sports media website. My writing is highly regarded for its quick turnaround and accuracy, as well as my ability to tell compelling stories about the sport.
