The story of Diego, Nicolas Jarry’s brother who makes his way into professional tennis

This week, the The Estadio Español de Chiguayante hosts the second U15 of the season in Chile , a competition that aims to give space to emerging figures in professional tennis. One of them, and which was not foreseen by anyone, is Diego Jarry Fillol, one of Nicolas Jarry’s brothers. Strictly speaking, he is the fourth of the five children of Cecilia Fillol and Allan Jarry.

The 20-year-old, unlike his brother who is currently 19th in the world, chose the path of university tennis in the United States after playing a few junior tournaments. Currently defends the colors of Saint Mary’s College , a house of studies located in the town of Moraga, California, and participates in Division I of the prestigious NCAA. Additionally, study business and finance.

“My daughter Catalina studied at this same university on a scholarship and also played tennis with them” said his grandfather Jaime Fillol who, like Nico, took it upon himself to advise and closely follow his grandson’s career. “I make him understand that tennis is not an end, but rather a means. And the second thing I tell you is that you have to know how to play” he comments.

Regarding the path taken by the young tennis player, Fillol appreciates the decision he made. “Diego wasted no time. It often happens that when these players make the decision to study in the United States, people think that they will not be tennis players. You don’t have to communicate it. And in this case, what I appreciate most is that thanks to the invitation that the Federation gave him, something else can be shown,” he emphasizes.

Concerning his progress on the pitch, the former world number 14 appreciates the good level he acquired during his stay abroad: “I follow him quite a bit and I know what progress he has made. College players in the United States play good tennis, they are all good and nothing is revealed. There is a level and it all depends on their ability to take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves along the way.

This was manifested in the Penquista competition, where, in his professional debut, he immediately surpassed the quality. He beat the Argentinian Juan Estévez by a double 7-6 (1.165th ATP) in his debut then won by a resounding 6-1 and 6-2 against the Chilean Diego Ortiz Gamonal (unranked). Curiously and for administrative reasons, it appears in the registers with the American flag, but It is taking steps to transform it into a national system.

Owner of a similar height to his brother (1.98), he clearly stands out for his service. “I would say the grace he has is that he competes well and he knows how to play. He has very good service, The Jarrys are lucky to be very tall, they have a lot of strength, they are quite coordinated and the serve is a godsend for them. » » proudly points out Grandpa Jaime.

In fact, every time he is in Santiago, it is the former tennis player who trains with him. He did it at the end of August at the Providencia Club and from a very young age he took him to play. Even in 2013, when Rafael Nadal traveled to Chile to play at the ATP in Viña del Mar, the little boy, then only 10 years old, had the pleasure of training with the legend. ““This time he managed to have a little exchange with Rafa.” recalls Fillol.

His next rival, already in the main draw and looking for his first ATP point, isIt will be the Argentinian Valerio Aboian (464th). Of course, Diego is not the only one of the Jarrys to devote himself to tennis, since his younger brother Sebastián, aged only 14, is also. , is also making headway by participating in certain youth tournaments. Tennis is therefore passed down from generation to generation.