PARIS – Alejandro Tabilo is going through a family crisis that became public a few weeks ago and has deeply affected his performance. The Chilean says he’s trying to work through it “internally,” with the help of therapy.
“In a way, I’m glad that what happened is now somewhat known, because those are the reasons why I’ve been struggling. It’s something I have to resolve on my own,” Tabilo told CLAY in this interview at Roland Garros, published also at RG Media
Hurtful comments made by his father on Facebook—mainly targeting the player’s girlfriend—exposed a rift that had been building for several months, leaving Tabilo overwhelmed and unable to find many answers on the court.
The Chilean is now focused on moving past that stage and finding solutions. He also regrets the toll it has taken on his partner: “It’s been very unfair to her,” he said.
Interview with Alejandro Tabilo– In January 2020, in Melbourne, you gave your first interview at a Grand Slam, right as you were debuting in a major. You said, “I want to be top 50.” A few years later, you achieved it. What advice would you give to that young player who was just entering the elite level of the tour?
– To keep growing, to keep working hard to achieve his dreams. At that moment, I didn’t imagine I’d win two ATP titles, become top 20, and beat the greatest of all time (Tabilo holds a 2-0 head to head lead over Novak Djokovic). All those things I achieved are mine, and I couldn’t have pictured them back then. I’d tell my young self to keep pushing.
– I want to get deep into your mind, and I ask for honesty. This year has been very difficult for you personally and within your family, and that obviously affects your tennis. How are you doing?
– Yes, it’s been tough, but I’m feeling better and better. Right now, my mind feels much clearer, more at peace, and I truly enjoyed this Roland Garros — especially when I was on court. I had a great time in Paris. So on that front, I’m good. I just want to keep competing. I know I still need that extra spark, but I’m happy to have recovered from injuries, spent time at home, and recharged to come out strong.
– A losing streak hits your confidence like with a snowball effect, right? It gets harder and harder to break free from it, and defeats sting even more. How do you deal with that?
– Yes, I think the doubts come out more in the key moments. It’s been harder to start matches — I come in doubting myself. In Paris, I finished without pain and with good sensations. I feel like I’ve been hitting the ball much better, and that helps with confidence. I still need to build more rhythm, get more matches under my belt, but more than anything, this tournament made me feel very comfortable physically and with my tennis.
– In several press conferences, you’ve mentioned personal struggles without giving much detail. Then your father’s strong comments on Facebook, and your response, made your family crisis something public. What is going on in your life? How are your family relationships? Here’s your space to speak on it.
– It’s something I prefer to keep more private, but of course, everyone now knows that the personal issues I had referred to were about that. It’s been a very difficult chapter in my life, but I’m working on it internally. That’s what’s bringing me more peace. In a way, I’m also glad things are kind of public now — that’s the reason I’ve been performing below my level. It’s something I need to work through on my own.
– What are you doing to keep your personal issues from affecting you on court? Are you in therapy or working with a psychologist?
– Yes, I do therapy with a sports psychologist named Pablo Pecora. He’s been helping me a lot, mainly with staying focused during matches, staying in my game, not thinking so much about what’s happening outside, or looking too much beyond the court. There are different tools that help me stay locked in and keep my mind on tennis.
– After the family earthquake, how’s your relationship with your girlfriend? She’s with you at tournaments, at practices, in press conferences. You’ve also welcomed her as part of your team.
– We’re really good. She’s been a key part of all this — of my journey. What happened wasn’t fair to her. It’s been tough on her too, but she’s stood by me through everything. I’m very grateful for that. We’re in it together, strong.
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– Did you watch Rafael Nadal’s farewell?
– I saw it on TV. It was right after a training session, so I was trying to rest ahead of my next match. I thought it was incredible — very emotional that they gave him a plaque in his honour. I hope he keeps getting tributes, because all the records he’s set are amazing.
– And don’t you think they fell short? Would you have renamed the stadium?
– (laughs) I don’t know — it’s tough because he’s not French. But personally, I think he deserves it. What he did will never be repeated. Fourteen titles — it’s unbelievable what Nadal did at Roland Garros.
– If your career ended today, what would you feel proud and satisfied with? And what would leave you unsettled — something you haven’t achieved yet?
– The positives… Being top 20, having a winning record against the greatest tennis player ever and one of the best athletes in history. On the other hand, I feel like last year I had a real shot at going even further, at breaking into the top 10. That’s still my biggest goal — to be a top ten player. It would be sad not to reach that.
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