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Diallo dialled in throughout breakout Almaty run
Cheered on by cousin, Canadian on cusp of first ATP Tour closing
October 18, 2024
Andrey Udartsev/KTF.kz
Gabriel Diallo advances to maiden profession semi-final on the Almaty Open
By Ravi Ubha
Gabriel Diallo gained’t quickly neglect this week’s Almaty Open and it’s not solely due to what the Canadian has executed on court docket.
Sure, Diallo reached a maiden ATP Tour quarter-final and now semi-final to maneuver nearer to the wanted High 100 within the PIF ATP Rankings benchmark. However the newly turned 23-year-old additionally acquired to fulfill an older member of the family on his mother’s facet for the primary time.
“Right here I met my cousin that I by no means met in my life earlier than,” he mentioned. “My cousin lives right here in Almaty and has been coming to my matches, so it’s fairly particular. And I feel it’s one thing that helped me all through the week.”
Diallo even intends to do some sightseeing along with his cousin after his final match.
That would nonetheless be a few days away, because the 6-foot-8 large server beat Alejandro Tabilo 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 amid Almaty’s excessive altitude on Friday to land within the final 4.
A hip harm affected the Montrealer earlier within the 12 months to halt the momentum garnered from the tip of 2023.
However the former College of Kentucky standout mentioned that profitable the Chicago Challenger in late July with out dropping a set proved pivotal in his upturn. In all matches since that Challenger started, Diallo sports activities a 27-7 file.
Having been as excessive as No. 103 within the rankings in September after a 3rd spherical displaying as a qualifier on the US Open, Diallo’s stay rating eclipsed the High 100 instantly following victory towards the Canadian-born Tabilo.
“Could be good to maintain going, hold climbing the rankings however we hold a giant deal with the method for positive,” mentioned Diallo.
It was a measured reply from the well-spoken Diallo but he admits that he does spend his share of time glancing on the rankings.
“I do, particularly after final week. I needed to defend factors and I managed to defend a giant chunk,” mentioned Diallo, who gained the Bratislava Challenger 12 months in the past. “So I knew I used to be getting there. Earlier than beginning in Almaty I used to be 118, now I’m simply inside (the High 100) however there are guys behind me which can be hungry, enjoying simply as effectively, which can be making an attempt to make a transfer as effectively. So I acquired to maintain focusing and doing my half.”
In his nonetheless younger ATP main-draw profession, Diallo achieved one other private greatest Friday by tallying 70 per cent of his second-serve factors towards the second seed.
“It’s good for positive since you don’t need to be one dimensional to the purpose that should you don’t make your first serve, you recognize you’re in large hassle,” he mentioned.
He’s the kind of participant that likes to have fun profession milestones with out going overboard when his event wraps up. Which may imply consuming a bit cake, having one beer, a glass of wine or when he’s at dwelling, having fun with poutine.
What he has completed in Almaty little question deserves a deal with, even when Diallo loses Saturday versus fourth-seed Francisco Cerundolo. The event lodge may be the start line.
“The view is insane from the lodge,” mentioned Diallo. “We acquired the mountains.”