The Austral Series was held at the Ruca Che Stadium in Neuquén, where 3,000 spectators enjoyed the match between Argentina and Turkey. The Argentina YPF Davis Cup Tennis Team qualified for the 2027 Qualifiers after defeating their opponent 3-0.
The atmosphere around the stadium was festive, adorned as for a first date. The Ruca Che, which takes its name from the Mapuche meaning ‘house of the people’, hosted the Davis Cup for the first time, becoming part of a story that dates back long before the game. A group of 20 fans, recognized by their flag that reads ‘Hinchada Argentina’ Davis Cup and the phrase ‘I follow you everywhere’, traveled from various regions of the country to support Los Halcones.
Rosi, one of the supporters from the group, shared her connection with tennis, which began as a child and turned into a passion for following the Argentine team abroad since 2007. Her first destination was Lyon, France, from where she started to combine her vacations with attending Davis Cup matches in places like Kazakhstan and Croatia.
Recalling the 2016 final, Rosi highlighted the emotion of that moment: ‘Almost all of us who are not here were together in row 1, crying inconsolably from the excitement.’ For this group, the team jersey is the most important thing, regardless of who plays.
After two and a half years without local games, the event, organized by the Argentine Tennis Association (AAT) along with the Government of the Province of Neuquén and the City of Neuquén, marked the home debut of Captain Javier Frana. This victory is celebrated in a season that commemorates the 10th anniversary of winning the Davis Cup in 2016, and it was the 100th in the history of the competition.
Neuquén joins the list of provinces that have hosted a Davis Cup series within the country, being the first in Patagonia. Frana commented on the excellent level of organization and the public’s reception, opening the possibility for future events in the region: ‘The doors are always open for such things to arise and for the Davis Cup to continue being a meeting place for all Argentines.’
Source: www.infobae.com
