Tommy Paul, Taylor Fritz lead American men in discovering (or rediscovering) the joys and secrets of tennis on red clay

By Peter Bodo May 17, 2024

Rome, Italy

Can't read his poker face! Alejandro Tabilo conquers nerves to extend Rome breakout run

The 26-year-old is the first Chilean since Fernando Gonzalez in 2009 to reach an ATP Masters 1000 semifinal.

ByTENNIS.com

Published May 15, 2024

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“I still can’t believe what’s happening right now.”

Time to start believing it, Alejandro Tabilo!

The 26-year-old has not missed a beat in Rome since ousting world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the third round of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia.

Tabilo is projected to crack the Top 25 for the first time come Monday.

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On Wednesday, Tabilo continued his breakout Masters 1000 run by advancing to the semifinals without dropping a set. The No. 29 seed defeated Zhang Zhizhen, 6-3, 6-4, holding serve from start to finish in the 87-minute victory.

“Since November, I started getting that arm loose and just going for it. It’s been helping me a lot,” the 26-year-old told Tennis Channel’s Prakash Amritraj. “Here, I was so confident with the serve today. Definitely something I’ve been improving.”

Tabilo, who also eliminated Karen Khachanov in the round of 16, has routinely maintained his composure throughout his four wins. But he’s the first to admit there’s much more going on beneath the surface.

“To be honest, it’s just a very good poker face,” he smiled. “Inside, I’m struggling. It’s just like a battle there on its own. This week, it’s been working swinging. Normally sometimes when I get nervous, the ball almost goes to the fence.”

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With his effort, Tabilo is the first Chilean in 15 years to reach the final four of a 1000-level tournament. Fernando Gonzalez contested the last of his eight career 1000 semifinals in 2009 at this very event.

“From what I’ve heard from my friends, it’s been crazy over there with all the news. Definitely football is first there and then I’d say tennis comes second,” he shared.

“For them, it means a lot especially after (Nicolas) Massu, Gonzalez and (Marcelo) Rios, it’s been one of the biggest sports... so many people there are supporting and sending good vibes. It’s been very nice, all this new exposure.”

In January, Tabilo celebrated his first ATP title when he triumphed in Auckland. For a chance to contest his biggest final to date and match Gonzalez’s 2007 showing, the Toronto native awaits the winner of Alexander Zverev and Taylor Fritz.

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