'She always gives me strength': Tomás Martín Etcheverry dedicates breakthrough Roland Garros victory to late sister 

WATCH: Tomas Martin Etcheverry defeats Yoshihito Nishioka in the 2023 Roland Garros fourth round

Tomas Martín Etcheverry fell to his knees on the terre battue in tears after clinching his first Grand Slam quarterfinal with a stunner over No. 27 seed Yoshihito Nishioka on Monday. An hour later, the 23-year-old Argentine arrived at the Roland Garros interview room singing his country’s 2022 World Cup anthem, “Muchachos, ahora nos volvimos a ilusionar” (“Boys, now we have hope again”).

The world No. 49 has been on an emotional rollercoaster ever since he completed his 7-6 (8), 6-0, 6-1 victory over Nishioka—the third seeded player Etcheverry has knocked out at Roland Garros, including No. 18 Alex de Minaur and No. 15 Borna Coric.

“For me I have a lot of emotion right now. I think I am really, really happy,” he said during a post-match press conference. “You know, the best moment of my life.”

Etcheverry—who had previously never been past the second round at a major—broke down in tears as he dedicated the biggest victory of his career to his late sister Magalí. The 32-year-old passed away after a battle with breast cancer in September 2022.

“Honestly I’ve been asking my sister for her strength a lot recently, and I know she always gives it to me,” he said. “Today, during an important moment I said, ‘Magui, please help me.’ And she helped me: I hit an ace.”

Etcheverry has kept his family close during his breakthrough Roland Garros run. After reaching the fourth round, he celebrated with his grandparents Eduardo and Ana, while his dog Roland Garros (who goes by “Rola” for short) tuned in from home.

Up next, Etcheverry will face the biggest test of his career as No. 22 seed Alexander Zverev stands between him and first Grand Slam semifinal. Zverev, a former world No. 3, breezed past Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets to book the pair’s first meeting.

“Of course, in the next round it's going to be tough. Sascha Zverev, I think he has a lot more experience than me, but I feel really good to play against him,” the Argentine said.

“I am playing incredible tennis this week, and I just have to focus on my game and try to do the same like I have been doing [every] day."