Diego Dedura: Teen Tennis Prodigy Makes ATP tour Debut in Munich
German Newcomer Dedura Shines at BMW Open, First 2008-Born Player on ATP tour
MUNICH, germany (AP) — Diego Dedura, a 17-year-old German tennis player, made history Wednesday at the BMW Open by bitpanda in Munich, becoming the first player born in 2008 or later to compete in an ATP Tour match. Dedura was leading Denis Shapovalov when the Canadian retired due to illness.
April 16, 2025
Dedura, currently ranked No. 549 in the PIF ATP Rankings, capitalized on his chance against Shapovalov, taking the first set 7-6(2) and leading 3-0 in the second when shapovalov was forced to stop playing.
Family support Fuels Dedura’s Passion on German Soil
With both parents being tennis coaches, Dedura’s path to the ATP Tour was paved with a strong foundation. His father, Cesar Palomero, is his full-time coach and was present at the match. Dedura said his mother, Rita Dedura, watched the match and celebrated with the family afterward.
“I called [my mum] two times. Just super happy,” Dedura told ATPTour.com.“She was so happy that she saw the match… Getting the breakout here on German soil is just perfect.”
You think he enjoyed that? 😅
Dedura-Palomero is in dreamland on home soil!@BMWOpen500 | #BMWOpen pic.twitter.com/xpAm66Pe8W
— ATP tour (@atptour) April 15, 2025
‘Chill Guy’ Off Court, Fierce competitor On
The Berlin native displayed considerable energy and enthusiasm during his match. He readily admits to having an excitable personality, particularly during tournaments.
“That’s actually funny. Off the court. I’m really a relaxed guy, really a chill guy, not that crazy. just chill,” Dedura said. “If I have a tournament, always I have a bit more adrenaline and I hop around more, but if I’m outside of a tournament, I am chill and relaxed.”
dedura is scheduled to face Zizou Bergs in the second round in Munich on Thursday.
Dedura Draws Inspiration From Nadal’s Grit on Clay After Munich Win
MUNICH, Germany – German teenager Diego Dedura-Palomero, fresh off a first-round victory at the BMW Open in Munich, credits his south American heritage and admiration for Rafael Nadal for his fighting spirit and preference for clay courts.
Dedura, who speaks german, english, Spanish, and Lithuanian, describes himself as a fighter, attributing this quality to his Chilean roots through his father and coach, Palomero.”I am a really good fighter. I have the South American genes in my blood,” Dedura said. “So I think on clay, I just grind it out, just fight for every ball. Then if I win, I just get very emotional at the end.”
Clay Courts and Rafa Nadal Academy: Shaping Dedura’s Game
Dedura’s affinity for clay is also fueled by his admiration for Rafael Nadal. He hones his skills at the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar in Mallorca, where he occasionally crosses paths with his idol. He emphasizes how beneficial the academy is to his progress. “ [Maybe] now he will get to know [who I am], but most important for me is that I developed very well there with all the coaches. I have Gustavo Marcaccio, who coached Rafa. He was by my side all the time. I had very good trainers, athletic physios, everything. Just perfect for my development.”
Remembering Nadal’s Legendary Matches
Dedura cites Nadal’s 2005 French Open victory and his 2022 Australian Open triumph over Daniil Medvedev as his favorite matches, highlighting Nadal’s resilience and fighting spirit.
“The 2005 final at Roland Garros. his first Grand Slam was just crazy,” said Dedura. “Then when he got his Australian Open title in 2022 against [Daniil] Medvedev with the crazy comeback…It’s crazy what he did.”
Teen Tennis Sensation Dedura Eyes Next Gen ATP Finals After Munich Success
BERLIN – Seventeen-year-old tennis player Dedura is setting his sights on the Next Gen ATP finals after a strong showing in Munich. The young player has jumped 53 spots to 12th in the 2025 PIF ATP Live Race To Jeddah.
dedura, who competed in nine events across the ATP Challenger Tour and ITF World Tennis Tour already in 2025, remains grounded despite his rapid ascent. He emphasizes enjoying the game and maintaining a relaxed approach to his burgeoning career. “I don’t pressure myself,” Dedura stated. “I just like to keep my feet on the ground and just try to play freely…just have fun playing tennis.”
Finding Balance On and Off the Court
Recognizing the demands of professional tennis, Dedura prioritizes downtime. He enjoys playing FIFA, watching YouTube and Netflix, and exploring his home city of Berlin. “I love the city,” he says, adding “…it is indeed good just to be at home, with the right people.”
Dedura’s next goal is to qualify for the Next Gen ATP Finals,an event that Rafael Nadal visited last December,showcasing the high level of competition the young player now aspires to. While focused on his development, Dedura is determined to stay grounded and enjoy the journey, a mental strategy that may serve him well in his pursuit of a professional tennis career.
Diego Dedura: Teen Tennis Prodigy – Your Questions Answered
Learn more about Diego Dedura’s journey and follow his progress as he strives for tennis greatness!
