The pressure of playing at home can be difficult for some players, but it’s exactly where Rogerio Dutra Silva has thrived in his career.
Despite not having many chances to play in Brazil throughout the year, the 32 year old has won three of his seven ATP Challenger Tour titles on home soil. Competing as the third seed at this week’s $50,000 Challenger in Santos, he defeated countryman Joao Pedro Sorgi in straight sets on Thursday to move into the quarter-finals
“Normally I win, so I like it!” joked Dutra Silva about playing in Brazil. “But I really enjoy playing in my country. I’ve played on these courts all my life and I love the food, the fans and all the support. It makes me just want to try and keep going.”
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Dutra Silva’s rapid rise up the Emirates ATP Rankings in the past two years is even more impressive because injuries took him off the tour for six months and forced him to make a comeback at age 31. With his Emirates ATP Ranking as low as No. 515 in April 2015, he went on a tear in the second half of the season by winning two ATP Challenger Tour titles (Prague, Santiago) and finishing as runner-up in two others (Milan, Barranquilla).
This season, he won the biggest title of his career in May at the prestigious $100,000 event in Bordeaux, France, and was also a finalist in two other Challengers (Santiago, Barranquilla). He credited success in his personal life with bringing improved professional results.
“My daughter was born and that was the best thing in my life,” said Dutra Silva. “It’s not easy to come back, but I worked a lot and did my best to try and improve.”
Dutra Silva reached his career-high Emirates ATP Ranking of No. 82 this June. Inspired by the success of players who are well into their 30s like Roger Federer, he also believes his best tennis is still to come.
“I think it’s almost normal these days!” he joked. “People are playing really good tennis at 35 and 36 years old, so that’s my goal. I’m still trying to improve and glad I have a few more years to achieve this.”