By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Tuesday, April 15, 2025
In an unprecedented achievement, Diego Dedura-Palomero has become the first player born in 2008 to not only compete but also secure a victory in an ATP match. The young German made headlines when he triumphed over Denis Shapovalov after his opponent retired due to injury during their matchup in Munich. His celebration was nothing short of exuberant—drawing a cross in the red clay before lying back with arms wide open.
Is this the latest celebration trend among young players when faced with a retirement?
It seems so!
Still fresh on the scene, Dedura-Palomero’s enthusiasm is understandable. He clinched a 7-6(2), 3-0 RET victory and now gears up to face Alexander Shevchenko in the upcoming second round.
This 17-year-old, currently ranked 549, made waves by defeating the world No. 100, Mackenzie McDonald, during the qualifying rounds. After a setback against Alexander Bublik in the final round of qualifications, he later secured a spot as one of five fortunate losers in the BMW Open main draw.
At just 17 years and one month, Dedura-Palomero has now claimed his place as the fifth youngest player to win a match at the Munich tournament. He previously reached a high point of 27 in the junior rankings and progressed to the third round of the Australian Open Boys’ tournament in 2024. The son of a Chilean father and a Lithuanian mother, his ITF Tour record stands at 30 wins and 19 losses.
What a difference 6 months can make 👀Wishing Diego Dedura-Palomero all the best on his journey ahead! 💪 pic.twitter.com/PRi6dg5Epp
— ITF (@ITFTennis) April 15, 2025
