Tennys Sandgren: 'You can't be named like a sport if you suck at it'

American Tennys Sandgren is set to make his main-draw debut at the French Open, which begins on Sunday. The 25-year-old was rewarded with a wild card into the season’s second Grand Slam.

Sandgren won the Challenger tournament in Savannah—defeating Joao Pedro Sorgi in the final—earlier this month to earn a spot at Roland Garros.

“The results were better than expected, and I was in a little [bit] of disbelief,” Sandgren told Reuters.

The USTA awards a reciprocal French Open wild card to the American male and female players who win the most points in the association’s wild-card challenge.

Sandgren, who grew up in Tennessee, decided to drive from Nashville to Sarasota—rather than fly—for the Challenger event there in April. It was cheaper, and necessary. He also often stays with families during Challenger tournaments to keep costs down.

“Without those people, I don't think I would have been able to do it,” he said. “Not afraid to get in the car and haul out a long drive. I drove 13 hours on the Friday to reach Sarasota from Nashville. Then [I] played on Monday. Wasn't feeling great Saturday.”

Sandgren, who had to rebuild his career following hip surgery a couple of years ago, started the season ranked No. 193. But he began to climb up, winning Challengers in Tempe and Savannah.

He’s currently ranked No. 112, and starting to deliver on his name. His parents chose it because it was the same as his Swedish great-grandfather’s, but also because they loved the sport.

“I figured that, with my name, I can't be bad at the sport,” Sandgren said. “I didn't think I had to be particularly good, but at least functional. You can't be named like a sport if you suck at it. No added pressure to be sensational. But I think I've done my job.”

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