Paris 2024 Paralympics wheelchair tennis player Gustavo Fernandez celebrates his first Paralympic medal following a victorious bronze match.
"Gusti" finally clinches his Paralympic medal.
After making it to the quarter-finals in the men's singles competition at the last three Games, 'Gusti' seized his opportunity to secure a medal at Paris 2024 by convincingly defeating Spain's Martín de la Puente 6-1, 6-2 on Saturday (7 September) to claim the bronze.
Reflecting on his achievement, the five-time Grand Slam singles champion shared with Olympics.com, "This is an incredible feeling... I'm filled with emotion right now, but I believe with time I will truly appreciate what I accomplished today.
"The joy I experienced while playing this week, with the support of my family and team cheering from the stands, was monumental for me. I am simply elated."
Fernández's victory marked a significant moment as he became the first South American to secure a Paralympic medal in wheelchair tennis.
The 30-year-old Argentine made history in 2017 as the first singles world number one in any form of tennis from Argentina. Despite losing in the semi-finals to Oda Tokito of Japan, he bounced back in the Paralympic finals with a dominant performance, securing his long-awaited spot on the podium with 33 service winners. Fernandez expressed his strategy and emotions, stating that he knew he could dominate and was prepared for nerves on match point. Winning a Paralympic medal for Argentina holds immense value for him, relieving a significant weight off his shoulders. He cherished the special experience of playing in large courts with family support, emphasizing the joy of sharing this achievement with his loved ones.
