Brazil is the country of football (or soccer, if you like…) and nobody can question that, but it may also come as no surprise the Brazil’s hero of the 21st century is a tennis player !
Pelé, the Sportsman of the 20th Century and Best Footballer of All-Time, is absolutely hors concours and as legendary Formula One driver Ayrton Senna unfortunately broke our hearts in the fatal 1994 crash in San Marino, Brazil spent a long time looking for the next sports hero.
Best-in-class Talent, Charisma and a unique touch of Coolness helped bring tennis back in the spotlight in Brazil.
Ten years ago, Gustavo Kuerten lifted his third French Open trophy at Roland Garros and assured his place inside every Brazilian’s heart and became the the country’s sports hero in the 21st Century.
This post is a tribute to the guy whose contribution to sport was way above his talent. Kuerten added his touch of coolness to a traditional sport and helped modernise and -say- democratise it.
Congratulations Gustavo “Guga” Kuerten: The Cool Brazilian Hero.
