Exclusive: “I want him to be proud of me even from the sky” – Otto Virtanen attends grandfather’s funeral and celebrates Grand Slam breakthrough in the same week
Virtanen saved match points in his first two qualifying matches and went on to win his first Grand Slam main draw win at Wimbledon on Monday
Otto Virtanen, Roland-Garros 2024
It’s been an eventful 10 days for Finland’s Otto Virtanen. The 23-year-old, ranked No 147 in the world, came through the qualifying draw to secure a main draw berth for the first time at his favourite tournament, Wimbledon. And he did so while saving four match points each in his first two rounds of qualifying. The Finn then went on to earn his first Grand Slam main draw victory with a straight sets win over Australia’s Max Purcell, ranked 68th in the world.
“It feels very special, especially after saving so many match points during the qualifying round. I think I played really well and I used my weapons well. I know I can do well on grass when I play my game. But yes it definitely feels unique to be able to achieve such milestone at my favorite event,” Virtanen told Tennis Majors in London.
“It’s my favorite tournament as it’s such an iconic event and the real temple of tennis. It was very special for me to win the boys doubles (in 2018) and now playing the main draw is unreal. I am so motivated to do well here.”
We were so close. He watched every match, always supported and wrote me a note, win or lose.
Otto Virtanen on his grandfather
But between his final qualifying win on Thursday and his first round win on Monday, Virtanen flew back home to Finland to attend the funeral of his grandfather, someone he was very close to and who wrote him a note after each of his matches.
“We were so close. He watched every match, always supported and wrote me a note, win or lose. It was strange for me to fly back to Finland for the funeral between the qualifying and the first round but it was not even a question for me I had to do it. It’s clearly an extra motivation as I want him to be proud of me even from the sky.”
His grandfather, who passed away a few weeks ago, was not the only family member Virtanen has been close to. The Finn has been coached by his father, Pasi, a former professional player himself, from the time he was a child right until last year. He is now working with Jan de Witt and former Finnish No 1 Jarkko Nieminen but Virtanen knows he wouldn’t have reached where he has without the guidance and support of his father.
“He was my coach like forever until one year ago. Now I have added Jan de Witt and Jarkko Nieminen in my coaching team. My dad really taught me how to play tennis and shared so much advice on every aspect. He is so important to me and I would not be there without him.”
“If I play my best, I know I can do it” – Virtanen on playing 12th seed Tommy Paul
Up next for Virtanen is a clash against 12th seed Tommy Paul, the American who won the Queen’s Club title last month. The match will be played on Court No 3 later today and the Finn is hoping to go out and play his best.
“I’ve seen Tommy Paul during the Davis Cup tie against Finland. He is a fantastic player, just won Queen’s Club, beating Lorenzo Musetti. I will have to bring my A-game and just have fun on the court. If I play my best, I know I can do it. Let’s see.”
Speaking of the Davis Cup, Virtanen is among those in the tennis world who prioritises the annual team competition. He has compiled an 8-5 win-loss record in singles when playing for his country and last year won singles matches against Netherlands’ Botic Van de Zandschulp, Croatia’s Dino Prizmic, American Mackenzie McDonald and Canada’s Gabriel Dialloto to help Finland reach their first ever semi-final in the 124-year-old competition.
“It’s a big priority in my schedule, I live playing for my country. My dreams are to win Grand Slams and the Davis Cup. I put them on the same level. Tennis is getting more and more popular in Finland. And I am sure as we achieve bigger things in tennis on the big stages with Emil Ruusuvuori, it will only get even more popular”
