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Lucky Loser Diego Dedura-Palomero Makes Historic ATP Debut Win After Monfils Withdrawal

Posted : 17 April 2025

German teenager Diego Dedura-Palomero found unexpected motivation and reassurance from French veteran Gael Monfils before making his ATP Tour main-draw debut. Initially eliminated in the second round of qualifying at the Munich Open, Dedura-Palomero had been ready to leave the tournament until Monfils’ late withdrawal offered him a lucky loser spot.

 

 He stepped into the main draw, and in a twist of fate, won his first-round match when Denis Shapovalov retired injured, trailing 7-6(2), 3-0.

 

Reflecting on his journey, Dedura-Palomero shared how much the moment meant to him after years of perseverance. Despite defeating Mackenzie McDonald in the qualifiers, his loss to Alexander Bublik seemed to end his run—until fortune intervened.

 

As the fourth-ranked lucky loser behind three others, he waited anxiously before Monfils’ exit opened the door. “He hugged me and was so kind,” Dedura-Palomero said, recalling how Monfils’ gesture calmed him. Determined to enjoy the opportunity, he embraced the atmosphere and gave it his all on court.

 

Born in Berlin to a Chilean father and Lithuanian mother, who also serve as his coaches, Dedura-Palomero said he grew more confident during the match.

 

He focused on holding serve in the first set and capitalized when Shapovalov tightened in the tiebreak. With every point, he fought harder, ultimately thrilled with the result. The 17-year-old, now the first player born in 2008 to win a main-draw ATP match, will face Zizou Bergs in the next round.

 

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