Luis Guto Miguel adds another Roland Garros chapter for Brazil with historic boys' singles title

“I think Brazil are living a good moment again.”

Luis Guto Miguel just may be onto something here.

The 17-year-old defeated Michael Antonius, 6-3, 6-4, on Court Simonne-Mathieu Saturday to complete his run as the top seed. It was a historic victory, as Miguel became the first Brazilian to ever lift a junior singles trophy in either discipline.

“I think it means a lot, for sure. It's a lot of hard work me and my team have put, not only this week, but many, many years ago,” he told press. “I think everything worked right now, but just really happy. Enjoying the moment, but keep humble, because we have a lot to do yet.”

Speaking about his comfort in feeding off the energy inside a venue, Miguel shared, “I'm the kind of player that (likes) to play with the crowd. In Brazil, especially because we are most(ly) a football country, the crowd is always supporting a lot. I like to play with that, so I just want to thank everyone that cheered for me today.

“Yeah, it was a big atmosphere. I will never forget this day.”

Just over a week earlier, Miguel witnessed first hand the impact of an audience when his two favorite players produced one of the matches of the year on Chatrier. Countryman Joao Fonseca rallied from two sets down to topple Novak Djokovic, Miguel’s idol, on his way to a first major quarterfinal appearance.

“Brazil have amazing history here in French Open,” he reflected. “What Guga have made, Fonseca made this week, and now I think I did a little bit more for Brazil right now.”

Miguel’s favorite shot is his forehand, and he prefers family barbecues in favor of going out. The Goiania native will climb to No. 1 in the ITF Junior Rankings thanks to his success in Paris.