In Rome, Jarry makes Chile dream

Nicolas Jarry, ranked 24th in the world, has had an exceptional tournament in Rome. Having arrived in Italy with a total lack of confidence (beaten from the outset in Monte-Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid), he has enjoyed one prestigious success after another.

Disposing of Arnaldi (6-2, 7-6), Napolitano (6-2, 4-6, 6-4) and Muller (7-5, 6-3), he reached the quarter-finals of the tournament without much fanfare.

Faced with Stefanos Tsitsipas, everyone expected him to fall. Yet he played an exceptional match, resisting the Greek's domination until the latter finally gave in. Taking advantage of his opponent's slower moments, it was as a great opportunist that he achieved the feat of defeating one of the season's most in-form players on clay (3-6, 7-5, 6-4).

Qualified for the semi-finals, he faced Tommy Paul on Friday. The 16th-ranked American, brilliant on Italian clay, was the favorite. Having already beaten defending champion Medvedev (6-1, 6-4) and then Hubert Hurkacz, ranked 9th in the world (7-5, 3-6, 6-3), Paul looked well on his way to the final. However, he came up against a wild Chilean. In a match of the highest level (35 winners, 23 unforced errors, 13 aces), Jarry held off a very tough opponent to win a match lasting almost 3 hours (6-3, 6-7, 6-3).

Winning on his 5th match point, the 28-year-old relaunched his career. Slowed by a suspension for doping in 2020, he'll be back in the world's top 20 by Monday.

At the press conference, Jarry made no secret of his delight. When asked about his crazy week, he mentioned the presence of his grandfather by his side. Indeed, Jaime Fillol, former 14th in the world, was surely not expecting to witness such a great achievement. Very moved, the 28-year-old right-hander declared: "My grandfather is one of the reasons I play tennis. I know he appreciates it, it's a surprise for him to be here, a surprise that I'm doing so well in this tournament. It's something very special for him and for me."