Believed I was Heading Home: Underdog’s Stunning Journey Leads Little-Known Lucky Loser to New Heights

Canadian Gabriel Diallo has turned into the remarkable story of the Madrid Open, as the lucky loser made his way into the ATP 1000 tournament’s quarter-finals for the very first time.

Seizing upon a series of unforeseen events, Diallo found himself in the main draw despite bowing out in the second qualifying round.

With numerous players withdrawing, including the likes of Carlos Alcaraz, Diallo received an unexpected opportunity to redeem himself after his qualifying exit—and he has certainly made the most of it.

The 23-year-old defied the odds by notching up impressive wins against tough competition, highlighted by a stunning comeback against Cameron Norrie and a gritty victory over Grigor Dimitrov, where he saved three match points before clinching the win.

Diallo triumphed with the scoreline of 5-7, 7-6(7), 6-4, despite facing a precarious situation when Dimitrov had two match points at 6-4 in the second set but failed to convert either. Diallo saved a third match point at 7-6 before pushing the match to a deciding set.

“Honestly, I thought I was heading home,” said Diallo. “The margins were incredibly fine. It could very well be the best serving display I’ve ever produced in my life.

“I was fortunate to seize the point at 4-6 due to [his] unforced error and felt really confident at 5-6 while serving. Then I saved another match point. Tennis is a rollercoaster, and you just have to manage it. Thankfully, today I was able to turn it around and win the match.”

With the withdrawals and Diallo’s stunning run, the Canadian has skyrocketed up the rankings, climbing 25 spots to reach a personal best of No.53.

Competing as a lucky loser for the third time in just four main-draw appearances at Masters 1000 level, Diallo is now set to face Lorenzo Musetti in the quarter-finals.

Musetti clinched his spot by overcoming Australian Alex de Minaur in straight sets, with a score of 6-4, 6-2, in a match that lasted one hour and 23 minutes.