Article by Luminița Paul, Roxana Fleșeru – Published Monday, March 30, 2026, 8:51 p.m. / Updated Monday, March 30, 2026, 8:51 p.m.
Gabriel Diallo (24 years old, 36th place ATP) will play for the second time at the Țiriac Open, after last year, one in which he made consistent progress. The Canadian, who will be seeded 1 for the first time in his career in an ATP tournament, talked about the previous season, what he has in mind for the future and the changes in his team.
2025 has been one of steady progress for the Canadian player Gabriel Dialloan exciting presence on the court with his 2.03 meters tall, powerful serve and quick, aggressive shots.
A progress to which the tournament from Bucharest contributed, to a certain extent. He had two good matches in the main draw, on a surface that seems less suited to his style, in changeable weather conditions, and narrowly lost in the second round to future finalist, Sebastian Baez.
Now he returned to Bucharest in a different position, being the top seed.I'm glad to be here again, it's the second time. I felt really good last year, I played well, I liked the conditions then. And the fact that I'm seeded number one for the first time in my career, so I can't wait to get on the court“, he declared at the opening of the pre-tournament press conference he held.
Last season he tested the red surface more, saying it was the first time he played a full schedule on clay. The beginning was more difficult, he admitted, “but I think I'm getting the hang of it,” adding that the brick carpet actually suits his style because he has more time on his shots and has improved his movement.
Gabriel Diallo, 2025 on the rise, with the first title of his career
Returning to the year of explosion on the circuit, 2025, when he also conquered his first title, on the grass of 's-Hertogenboschand reached the quarterfinals of the Masters 1000 tournament at Madridhe listed the pluses.
“The first title, I had some good results on all surfaces. I got into the Top 50, I finished with the best ranking of my career, it was a very successful season. Now I think the opponents know me a bit better, so I'll have to keep adding some elements to my game and keep improving. And yes, I hope the second year is as good or even better“, elaborated Diallo.
I've worked really hard, had some good results last year which got me to the ranking I'm in now, so I'll try to make the most of it – Gabriel Diallo
Gabriel Diallo with the 's-Hertogenbosch trophy Photo: Imago Images
Gabriel Diallo, important decision related to the team
After all the positive results and growth in the game, Gabriel also made a weighty decision related to his team: he ended the collaboration with the renowned Canadian coach Martin Laurendeauformer and captain of the Davis Cup team.
“A very important change,” Diallo acknowledged. “I worked with Marty for four years and we still have a fantastic relationship. But we both felt it was time for a change. We ended a fantastic season at a very high level. So sometimes it's better in that situation. Now I have two Swedish coaches. Of course, it is a period of transition. But I've added a lot to my game and I think it's slowly starting to come together and take shape. So I'm really excited,” he said, recalling the Jonas Bjorkman and Johan Ortegrenthe new members of his team.
Cerebral, the current world number 39 explained what he intends for the near future. Simple things, but extremely important. “I think just raising my base level. Opponents get better and better based on ranking. So unless you show up with a very high base level, it's going to be a tough day for you. I think I speak for all players when I say that the minimum level you need to have day to day needs to be highGabriel Diallo concluded.
He will debut directly in the 2nd round at the Țiriac Open, a position reserved for the first 4 seeds, and there he will meet the winner of the match between the Italian Matteo Arnaldi (25 years old, 107th ATP) and a player coming from the qualifiers.
