"I have been a believer forever, I celebrated for God"
We interviewed Diego Dedura Palomero, the German who traveled around the world after his victory in Munich against Shapovalov and his subsequent 'crucifixion' on the clay.
Walking along the outdoor courts of the Mutua Madrid Open, a blonde mane catches the attention even when seen from behind. Watching one of the matches in the qualifying rounds, Diego Dedura-Palomero (Berlin, 2008) carefully observes every shot by Diego Galán, the man who defeated him just 24 hours ago in the same draw. His father, César, accompanies him, the man who coaches him and guides his career. Perhaps his name was not familiar to us a couple of months ago, but everything changed last week in Munich, where his victory over Denis Shapovalov—and his subsequent celebration—propelled him to make headlines in several sports media outlets.
"Diego, mind a quick interview?" The question is easy to answer, but his gaze first bounces off his father, who approves the request, interested to see how his son handles the microphone. In that moment, magic happens, the moment when Punto de Break chats with the first player born in 2008 capable of winning an ATP match, surrounded by a sea of fans passing by unknowing that they are in front of one of the great promises of the tennis world.
How does it feel to be the talk of everyone?
It feels great, I needed to take this step to climb a bit in the rankings; I think now I'm #360, so very happy with everything I experienced last week in Munich. It was a great experience, but also here in Madrid, I had a very nice match against Galán, the atmosphere was incredible. We are taking it step by step with the intention of reaching the top.
What happened in Munich?
First of all, I was playing at home. For some reason, I could compete very freely; the first match against Mackenzie (McDonald) helped me a lot, I received a lot of support from the people. Then I lost to Bublik, but ultimately I entered as a lucky loser, and that changed everything. Against Shapovalov, I played freely again; I saw I could have a chance, everything happened very quickly in my mind. When I won that match... well, what happened, happened; emotions took over the moment.
Legendary celebration.
(Laughs) I'm 17 years old, you don't win matches at this level every day. Many people don't understand, but it's very difficult to beat a top 30 player in the world at my age; I admit that emotions were very present at that moment. I was very happy for the victory and wanted to show it to the public.
First ATP Tour Win 🙌
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 15, 2025
Denis Shapovalov is forced to retire and Diego Dedura-Palomero is through to the second round 🤝#BMWOpen pic.twitter.com/2Dbx3J8QkA
Some criticized you for celebrating your opponent's retirement.
Regarding the crucifixion, did it have any specific message?
I did it for God, to thank him. I am a very religious person, that's why I threw myself on the court and celebrated like that.
Religious themes are rarely touched upon in the circuit.
Some believe, others don't, but everyone has their point of view on the matter. In my case, I have always been a believer, but this faith multiplied since I started as a professional when I was 15 years old.
Can you tell me a bit about your origins?
My dad is Chilean, and my mom is Lithuanian, but I live in Germany, in Berlin. That's where I train with my father; he does everything. I also have a brother who plays tennis; he's going to college in Texas now.
Any confessable dream?
To go as far as possible, to be at the top, my real ranking will be decided in five years; then we will see where I stand.
Are you clear that you want to be a professional tennis player?
Absolutely! I decided that almost a year ago; that's when we decided to go pro. Once I entered the top 600, I was sure; now with what happened in Munich, I'm even more certain. I am very focused on training, doing everything necessary on and off the court.
Munich helped confirm your decision.
Yes, but I think everything before also, all that journey through the Futures and the Challengers. Those two victories in Munich responded in a way to all the work from previous years, but now it's time to continue. Here in Madrid, we lost a good match, it was a great experience, but the journey has just begun.
Have you noticed a difference when moving up a level?
It's a whole different thing! (laughs) If you want to beat these players, you have to be focused 200% throughout the match; you can't give away a single point. In the Futures, you might give away a game, but you know you will win the match. There is more margin, but at these levels, you can't give away a single point. With Galán the other day, it was 3-3 and 15-40; I wasted those two break points and ended up losing 6-4, that's how quickly things happen. Same in Munich; at these levels, you have to focus on every point.
Do you have an idol?
Rafa, it can't be anyone else. Left-handed, like me, I really like him. That mentality he had, his attitude on the court, that way of fighting until the last ball... who ran more than him? That's how I like tennis on clay courts; I love to fight, to chase even the most impossible ball, to make it very tough for the other player.
Any goal for 2025?
At the beginning of the year, we talked about getting close to the top 350, but right now, I'm already #360, so we'll see if we can take that last step. At the end of the season, we'll see where I am.
Where does your calendar point to now?
I have a break now due to a shoulder problem; I had it before playing here. I'll go to Berlin; two weeks of training at home, and then I'll play some Futures in Italy and the ATP 500 in Hamburg. After that, I'll play some Challengers we have in Germany; I won't play on grass, my best surface is clay, and I'll stick to that.
Do you feel more German than Chilean?
I was born in Germany; I am German, but I have a Chilean part deep inside.
How many languages do you master?
I speak Spanish with my dad, but my mom insists a lot on speaking Lithuanian, although I speak German with my brother. I also speak English perfectly; in total, four languages.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, “Soy creyente desde siempre, la celebración la hice por Dios”