ATP Finals 2023: A Grand Opening for Tennis Stars
The Argentines Máximo González and Andrés Molteni Face Tough Challenge
Nov 12, 2023, 09:41
The long-awaited moment has arrived as the ATP Finals welcomes the crème de la crème of tennis players in 2023. In the doubles category, the Argentine duo of Máximo González and Andrés Molteni, ranked 13th in the ATP, faced a formidable task: making their debut in the competition against the top contenders. However, after an intense battle lasting one hour and seventeen minutes, Ivan Dodig (2nd) and Austin Krajicek (1st) emerged victorious with a score of 6-4 and 6-2.
A Remarkable Journey for González and Molteni
González and Molteni, who hold the 10th and 7th positions in the world rankings respectively, have had an impressive season. With a combined total of 33 titles under their belts, including victories in prestigious tournaments such as Córdoba, Rio, Barcelona, Washington, and the Cincinnati Masters 1000, the Argentine pair arrives in Turin with a commendable record of 38 wins and 20 losses. Notably, their triumph in Brazil marked their first triumph at a level higher than 250. This also marks their debut appearance in the ATP Finals.
A Historic Moment for Argentine Tennis
Furthermore, the participation of González and Molteni alongside Horacio Zeballos marks a significant milestone for Argentine tennis. It is the first time since 2003/2004, when Gastón Etlis and Martín Rodríguez competed, that an entirely Argentine team has graced the tournament. This triple representation of Argentina in the ATP Finals is a testament to the country’s prowess in producing top tennis talent.
Dodig and Krajicek: The Favored Pair
Dodig and Krajicek, currently at the peak of their careers with 24 and 12 titles respectively, enter the ATP Finals as the frontrunners. As a formidable duo, they have clinched five out of their eight championships this year, triumphing in Rotterdam, Monte-Carlo, Roland Garros, Queen’s, and Beijing.
For Dodig, this marks his eighth appearance in the tournament, with his most notable performance in 2014 when he reached the final alongside Marcelo Melo, narrowly losing to the Bryan brothers. Meanwhile, Krajicek secures his second qualification, having previously participated in 2022 with Dodig, where they faced a challenging group stage.
Exciting Matches Await
On the opening day of the Green Group, tennis enthusiasts can look forward to another thrilling encounter with Latin American representation. Horacio Zeballos and Marcel Granollers will take on Santiago González and Edouard Roger-Vasselin in what promises to be an enthralling clash.
Stay tuned for all the action from the ATP Finals in Turin 2023, exclusively on ESPN and STAR+.
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2 Responses
Can’t wait to see how the Argentine duo fares against the top tennis players at the ATP Finals 2023. It’s going to be an intense battle on the courts!
“Excited to see the Argentine duo take on the top tennis players at the ATP Finals! They’ll definitely face a tough challenge, but their skills and determination will make for an exhilarating tournament.”