Daniel Caverzaschi: “This bronze was something precious that I will carry with me for the rest of my life”
MADRID, 14 Sep. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Tennis players Daniel Caverzaschi and Martín de la Puente were “very proud” after winning the first medal for Spanish wheelchair tennis at the Paralympic Games with the bronze they won in doubles at Paris 2024 after beating the French pair Frederic Cattaneo and Stephane Houdet.
“I’m very proud of how we managed that match, against the entire crowd. It was something wonderful and I’ll take it with me for the rest of my life,” said Daniel Caverzaschi in an interview with Europa Press upon his arrival at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas airport after competing in the Paralympic Games in Paris.
The Madrid player recalled that the first four games started “quite tense” and that it was hard for them to see that every point they lost, “the crowd got excited.” “Then we started to find our game, and also the point to the public. To end up playing very well and with that historic medal is something super exciting. I have experienced a lot of emotions personally last week, and we are very proud,” he explained.
Upon returning to Spain, they received the warmth and affection of all the people who were waiting for them at the airport, singing and celebrating. “We were so exhausted on the plane that we didn’t even think they would welcome us like this. It was a nice surprise, and it’s even more emotional,” she said smiling.
For his part, Martín de la Puente recalled that this victory came after losing in the semi-finals against the Japanese pair Takuya Miki-Tokito Oda, a “tough day” for them, who felt “very close” to the world number 2. “It’s sport and you have to know how to deal with defeats. We have been able to handle emotions very well all week, we knew we were ready for this, and both Dani and I worked hard to provide these moments,” he said.
He was aware that it was his “moment” against the French pair, and they were “more than ready” to put the finishing touch to a “fantastic week for Spanish wheelchair tennis and Paralympic sport.” He also thanked the warm welcome from the Spanish fans upon his return. “Coming home with this music and these people, it really shows, and I hope that Paralympic sport can always have these beautiful things that fill us with so much hope,” he hoped.
The Galician tennis player also finished fourth in the singles draw, but he does not hesitate to say that his overall summary “is very positive.” “We are where we wanted to be, playing the last day of competition in doubles and singles. I would have loved to fight for gold or silver, but I got bronze and Gustavo (Fernández) played better. All that remains is to congratulate him and prepare better for the next one,” he said.
His next objectives will be the Sardinia Tournament, which will be held at the end of September, where De la Puente defends his title, as well as the National Masters in November, and the Spanish Championship in December, although he is already looking ahead to preparing for the Australian Open in January next year.