The Argentine who captured the heart of Roland Garros's surprise semifinalist
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- Czech tennis player Jakub Mensik, 20, reached the semifinals of Roland Garros, becoming the youngest Czech to do so.
- Mensik defeated Brazil's João Fonseca in the quarterfinals and is set to play world number three Alexander Zverev next.
- His girlfriend, Josefina Catino Usabarrena, traveled from Argentina to support him, sharing her emotional journey through Instagram videos.
Czech tennis player Jakub Mensik, at just 20 years old, has achieved a significant milestone by reaching the semifinals of Roland Garros, making him the youngest Czech player ever to reach this stage in a Grand Slam tournament. Mensik secured his spot in the final four by defeating Brazil's João Fonseca in the quarterfinals with a score of 6-4, 6-3, and 7-6 (7-3) on Court Philippe Chatrier in Paris.
It's eight in the morning and I've just decided I want to go to Paris to see my boyfriend, so come with me.
He is now scheduled to face the world number three, Germany's Alexander Zverev, for a place in the final. The quarterfinal victory was an emotional moment for Mensik, who was supported in the stands by his girlfriend, Josefina Catino Usabarrena. She traveled from Argentina to witness his matches, documenting her spontaneous journey and emotional experience on Instagram.
The match started and honestly, I had a bad time. Luckily he won and I can say I'm not bad luck.
Catino Usabarrena shared a video on Instagram early Tuesday morning expressing her sudden decision to travel to Paris to watch her boyfriend play. She managed to pack, reach the airport just before check-in closed, and arrived in France in time for the match. Initially nervous, she expressed relief and joy after Mensik's win, stating, "It started the match and honestly, I had a bad time. Luckily he won and I can say I'm not bad luck."
After having a very bad time, he won and I was trembling.
Following the quarterfinal win, she stayed to support Mensik during his semifinal preparation. She described the intense emotions of the day, admitting she was "trembling" after the victory. The couple celebrated the achievement with a glass of wine, and Catino Usabarrena shared her excitement, exclaiming, "So many emotions together (and many prayers). See you in the semis!" Her enthusiastic celebration was even featured in the tournament's official broadcast.
So many emotions together (and many prayers). See you in the semis!
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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