He left everything behind and earned recognition. Juan Pablo Varillas was applauded as he left Roland Garros on Sunday after losing to Novak Djokovic, the world number 3, in the fourth round of the French Open. Since he stepped onto the court, the public showed their support for the national tennis player and also made their presence felt at the end of the match, when our top racket left the historic Philippe Chatrier court.
WATCH | Varillas lost to Djokovic and finishes his outstanding performance at Roland Garros
Varillas received praise from Djokovic: "It's the first time we've played, I know he's a specialist on this surface, he has a very consistent game. I'm happy because I've surely shown my highest level this week," the Serbian highlighted.
It wasn't the first time he stepped onto Philippe Chatrier —last year he lost in the first round to Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime in five sets—, but it took him a while to acclimate and Djokovic took advantage to give him a 4-0 lead at the beginning.
Once the distances and stage fright of going from playing on courts for 200 people to one with 15,000 were under control, the Peruvian finally unleashed his arm and started enduring the rallies with the legend.
He even managed to make him angry. In the middle of the first set, Djokovic complained about something, the crowd reacted with boos and Nole, after saving two break points with a 4-2 lead, responded by putting a hand on his ear and encouraging the people to keep screaming.
Varillas leaves Paris after taking over from Jaime Yzaga, the last Peruvian to have reached the fourth round of a Grand Slam at the 1994 US Open.
Ver noticia en El Comercio: DT