Teenager Diego Dedura-Palomero makes history in Munich, then hits WILD celebration after win over Denis Shapovalov
Updated 16/04/2025 at 09:52 GMT+1
React to this story
There have been many precocious talents in tennis, and the latest of them might have emerged at the Munich Open on Tuesday. Diego Dedura-Palomero, 17, grabbed the headlines with an unexpected victory over Canadian Denis Shapovalov, making history and celebrating wildly in the process. Dedura-Palomero admitted he could not "put it in words" after he secured a first ATP Tour win on debut.
Diego Dedura
Image credit: Getty Images
Diego Dedura-Palomero could not hide his emotions after becoming the first player born in 2008 or later to win an ATP Tour match.
The 17-year-old led 7-6(2) 3-0 when his opponent, Canadian Denis Shapovalov, was forced to retire.
And Berlin native Dedura-Palomero made clear his delight after winning on home soil.
The teenager was given a rapturous reception by the Munich crowd as he roared with joy, before appearing to draw lines in the court with his shoes and lying down with his arms spread, to apparent bemusement from Shapovalov as the injured Canadian walked off court.
Dedura-Palomero only entered the main draw as a lucky loser following Gael Monfils’ withdrawal.
"I just can’t put it in words right now. I’m just so happy," Dedura-Palomero said in his post-match interview.
"I was struggling all these years and now I just got the wildcard for qualifying.
"I won against Top 100 Mackenzie McDonald [on Saturday], then lost against [Alexander] Bublik [on Sunday]. I had bad luck because there were three lucky losers who got in, and I was the fourth one.
"So I was waiting the whole day on Monday and then [Gael] Monfils pulled out. He hugged me and was so nice. I just went in and told myself to just have fun, go with the crowd and just play your best tennis.
"I can’t put it in words. I’m just so happy right now."
- Federer excited to welcome Laver Cup to San Francisco for first time
- Lack of top players at Billie Jean King Cup 'a tennis problem', says Keothavong
- Alcaraz hits back at critics following 'unexpected' Monte Carlo win
He added: "On the outside you are calm and everything, but it’s a storm inside. You go over it in your mind. What happens if you win? With the crowd and everything, what will happen around you?
"Then I was just focused all the time and tried to hold my serve in the first set.
"I tried to just put the ball in and move him and just fight for every point. At the end, I was just super happy."
Dedura-Palomero, who does not turn 18 until December, will face Belgium's Zizou Bergs in the round of 16 on Thursday.
Watch and stream the 2025 French Open on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement