A
s Diallo forges his unique tennis path, he eagerly seeks guidance from established Canadian legends, including the iconic Raonic.
Experiencing the thrill of sharing the 2023 Davis Cup stage with Raonic is a stroke of luck for Diallo, who has long admired his gameplay. He frequently turns to the 34-year-old for insights throughout his journey.
“I’m eager to learn from him, and that desire hasn’t faded,” Diallo expresses. “He stands as the greatest Canadian player in singles history, and it’s always a profound honor to compete alongside him.”
According to Diallo, Raonic has made “a tremendous impact on my journey.” He also draws inspiration from fellow Canadians like Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov, stating, “All of them have paved the way for me, pushing me to pursue my dreams and evolve into the player I am today.”
Just like his compatriots, Diallo relishes the chance to play on home soil at the National Bank Open.
“I cherish the memories from that tournament, from my childhood watching Milos reach the finals, to Shapo making the semis, and even marking my first Tour-level victory there two years ago,” he reflects. “This tournament is close to my heart. It’s a stage where every Canadian yearns to shine, and while the expectations are high, it’s a privilege I embrace.”
“My goal is to prepare thoroughly and reach my peak performance for that tournament.”
