DR Player’s Run At U.S. Open 2014 Ends

Victor Estrella Burgos acknowledges his fans at the U.S. Open in his third round match on Aug. 30, 2014.

Victor Estrella Burgos congratulates Milos Raonic after losing to the Canadian on Aug. 30, 2014.

News Americas, FLUSHING, NY, Sun. Aug. 31, 2014: It was a history making run but on August 30th, it all ended at the U.S. Open for Victor Estrella Burgos.

Estrella Burgos who became the first player from the Dominican Republic to reach the third round at a Grand Slam fought a brave fight but  barely lost to Canadian Milos Raonic Saturday at the US Open, 7-6, 7-6, 7-6.

Estrella Burgos, 34, the oldest player to make his or her US Open debut, gave Raonic a fight for the win with enthusiastic support from a large group of fans in the Grandstand for the world No. 80.

“Victor played tough today,” Raonic said after the match. “It’s been a big week from him.”

Estrella Burgos didn’t begin playing tennis on tour full-time until just before his 26th birthday. After limiting himself to Davis Cup matches for his home country and the occasional pro tournament, he decided in July 2006 to give his dreams of a pro tennis career his full attention. His rise up the rankings is even more miraculous considering that Estrella Burgos tore the cartilage in his elbow in September 2012 and was off the tour for eight months.  Then Estrella Burgos found himself even more motivated to achieve his dreams and returned to the pro tour with a vengeance. Within six months, he had won three Challengers. Last March, he finally cracked the Top 100. And for someone who spent years playing for a pittance at small tournaments in far-flung locations throughout the world, debut at the Open must have been a welcome relief.