First-Time Winner Spotlight: Thiago Seyboth Wild

Thiago Seyboth Wild arrived at the Chile Dove Men+Care Open with two tour-level match wins to his name. The 19-year-old wild card finished the week with five more and his maiden ATP Tour title after defeating second seed Casper Ruud on Sunday in Santiago.

Seyboth Wild’s stunning triumph made him the first #NextGenATP player to win a tour-level title this season and the youngest Brazilian titlist in ATP Tour history. ATPTour.com caught up with the rising teenager after his victory to talk about his dream week, his father’s influence on his tennis and why his celebration plans are on hold for now. 

What does winning your first ATP Tour title mean to you?
It’s an incredible achievement. It’s something I’ve always dreamed about. I need to just take the best from the week and keep on going for the rest of the season. 

Does this title come as a surprise for you or did you believe you were playing well enough to win the tournament?
As the matches went by and I was feeling myself on court, I felt like I could go step by step. When I got to the final, I needed to play it just like another match, like I had been playing the whole week and take my chances. 

Last year was your breakthrough season on the ATP Challenger Tour. How important have Challengers been in preparing you to compete at this level?
It’s not about the Challengers or any other tournament. It’s about what I’ve taken from them and how I’ve improved along the season. I think I’ve done it pretty well and need to thank my team for that. 

It’s still early in the season, but what would it mean for you to qualify for the Next Gen ATP Finals in Milan?
I think it would pretty much mean the same as Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals.

You’ve said that your favorite player is Nadal. What do you admire most about him?
His passion on the court. The way he plays, keeps himself on court and fights for everything is just amazing. It made me dream about everything he’s done and if I could accomplish 20 per cent of what he’s done in his career, that would be great.

Your father manages tennis academies. How involved was he with your tennis growing up?
He was the one who taught me how to play tennis. He was a player and he’s always been there for me, always helped with me anything I need. He’s just my father. He’s an idol for me and always has been one. 

How will you celebrate tonight?
I’m flying to Australia at 1:00am to play Davis Cup. But my birthday is on 10 March and I’m flying back home on 9 March, so I guess I’ll just have to party after that.