Paris 2024: Martin De La Puente wins quarter final on ‘best day of his life’
Facing Frenchman Stephane Houdet in wheelchair tennis, Martin De La Puente had to contend with roaring home crowd 05 Sep 2024
Roland Garros is used to big occasions and so often delivers a befitting atmosphere. When Frenchman Stephane Houdet took on Spain’s Martin De La Puente in the men’s wheelchair tennis singles quarter-finals on Wednesday, the noise level was furious.
Building up to the second match on Court Philippe-Chatrier, the anticipation was palpable. It soon became a cauldron, ready to erupt in support of their home favourite.
De La Puente, who is seeded three in the Paralympic event, came through a tough test 6-1 4-6 6-2, battling not only Houdet, who looked like he may have wrestled control of the match when he won the second set, but almost every corner of the arena, too.
Everything came to a head when Houdet restored parity at one set each. Chants of “Allez les Bleus” and “Stephane, Stephane” greeted each break in play before and after.
Dealing with the noise
While he wasn’t surprised at the noise level, De La Puente admitted it made life difficult. It felt like him against the world, but he wouldn’t have had it any other way.
“I felt pressure; the crowd was tough to deal with but it is the best place I could be on earth,” he said.
“It was tough to lose the second set but we knew it was 1-1, we kept pushing and I’m so happy with the win.
“When Steph hit some winners it was tough, I was like ‘woah they are screaming a lot’. But it also felt amazing to play in front of so many people.
“It is the best atmosphere of my career; I’m so happy to be representing Spain and my people. Hopefully the people are still there next time.”
Victory for De La Puente means he is the first Spanish player to reach the semi finals at the Paralympic Games; just rewards for his hard work.
Although he was the pantomime villain, he remembers being in Tokyo when no crowds were allowed due to COVID restrictions, helping add perspective.
“You can imagine it but you never realise until you are there. I came and said ‘wow, they are loud today!’ It is part of the games of the emotions.
“I was in Tokyo, if I had the choice of nobody or full crowd, even if they’re French, they’re here to watch tennis."
Best day of his life
He is proud to represent his country and that result, at Roland Garros where Spanish victory has more or less been an annual event over the last 20 years, is already a stand out moment for him.
“It feels amazing,” he said with a huge smile on his face.
“I still don’t believe I’m in the semi-finals; playing on Philippe (the court) was incredible, this is the best day of my life so far. "
“We’ve worked so much for this with my team, my people and my friends. I can’t comprehend it; I’m still with my adrenaline with my nerves on top. I am happy with the day and how it went.”
Historic Roland Garros
Although he is still waiting for his first French Open at Roland Garros, the history of the place looms large for him. Rafa Nadal’s statue stands just outside, and De La Puente was honoured to play on such an iconic court.
“I felt lucky to play here; there is so much history for Spanish players,” he said.
“This venue and atmosphere are different. I’m happy; I’m a happy kid who has made the semis. I’m enjoying my time and the work we’ve done; I started with my coach at Rio 2016 now we are in Paris, we are working hard to be on top and reach top level of wheelchair tennis.
It may have been the best day of his life, but De La Puente will want to look back on it as part of a bigger picture by the end of the Games. The gold medal is one step closer, and he may just get the crowd onside next time.
