History - Where does the tradition of the champion's dive into the pool in Barcelona come from?

© AFP

Guillaume Nonque

le 21/04/2024 à 13h42

1 min to read

Alcaraz Barcelone Bruguera Costa Ferrer Ruud Sanchez

Every year, the winner of the ATP 500 in Barcelona raises his trophy and heads for the pool. It's customary for the champion to dive into the pool with the ball boys and girls at the end of the final.

The tradition began in 1991, when 25-year-old Emilio Sanchez Vicario was spontaneously pushed into the water by the ball boys and girls to celebrate his victory over Sergi Bruguera in the final (6-4, 7-6, 6-2). Carlos Costa followed suit in 1992, and every winner has done the same every year since.

Casper Ruud: "There's something special about it, that's for sure. Like an extra prize for being able to win. It's something you hope to do on Sunday."

Carlos Costa (winner in 1992): "I was in a corner around the pool, and I knew I had to jump. And then my little brother just took me on his shoulders and we jumped together. It's a good thing for club members and champions. Every time a champion dives, I feel it's the moment the club loves."

David Ferrer (Tournament Director): "Now it's part of the tournament. It's one of the best traditions and one of the best tennis clubs in the world, definitely."