Interview with runner-up Hugo Calderano (TTF Liebherr Ochsenhausen): "No matter what is said: The game is decided at the table"
TTF Liebherr Ochsenhausen want to make the most successful season in their club's history perfect in the Liebherr TTBL final on Sunday against Borussia Düsseldorf after winning the cup in January and two World Championship medals including gold. In this interview, Ochsenhausen's singles runner-up talks about overcoming his 2024 Olympic disappointment, his goals after his upcoming departure from the TTF and his hope that the Ochsenhausen fans will have fond memories of his time at the Barockstrasse.
Hugo Calderano, you recently won individual silver at the World Championships in Doha. How did you celebrate and enjoy this success in the days that followed?
I was able to spend a few days with my family in Brazil and it was important to celebrate and enjoy the success before getting back into training.
What does the historic aspect of the first medal for South America in almost 100 years of World Cup history mean to you?
It's a dream come true to bring the first World Championship medal to Brazil in so many years. I am delighted to be able to show our young athletes that this is possible with a lot of hard work and commitment.
A few weeks before Doha, you also won the World Cup in Macao. How do you personally rate these two successes?
It's difficult to compare, but I would say they are similar. The level of competition is pretty much the same, so the World Cup title stands out a little. On the other hand, the World Championships naturally have a longer and bigger history.
You narrowly missed out on the medal you had dreamed of at the 2024 Olympics in Paris and were deeply disappointed for a long time afterwards. At the beginning of the year, however, you became the match winner when your TTF Liebherr Ochsenhausen won the cup and have now celebrated World Cup success and a World Championship medal. How did you work your way out of the hole after the Olympics?
I always knew that my time would come. It was a tough phase for me after the Olympics, but I know how to persevere and keep going, even if it's not easy. It was important to be patient and accept some suffering before things got better again.
Now the final match for the German championship against Borussia Düsseldorf is coming up soon in the Liebherr TTBL final on June 15 in Frankfurt. How do you switch from celebrating to everyday life for the final?
That shouldn't be a problem, as I really enjoy preparing for these major events and am very motivated to bring another title back to Ochsenhausen.
How important would the title be for you?
It would be the perfect end to my and our joint chapter with TTF Liebherr Ochsenhausen.
The final is also your last match in an Ochsenhausen jersey. How do you feel about this day?
Of course it will be something very special. I'll just try to enjoy the game and do my best for the club.
What goals do you want to achieve in the future and by what means?
I want to keep fighting for the biggest titles and medals. There are no shortcuts along the way other than working hard, so I will continue to do that.
Let's get back to the Liebherr TTBL final: Many fans and experts believe that your team is the favorite. Do you share this opinion?
I wouldn't say that there is a favorite. Düsseldorf has a lot of experience in games like this and a really strong team. And no matter what is said beforehand: The game will be decided at the table.
What will be important against Düsseldorf?
Many factors can decide the game. Ultimately, we have to look after ourselves, be prepared for a big fight and make the most of the opportunities that present themselves.
For Düsseldorf's star Timo Boll, the final even marks the end of his entire career. Can this have an impact on his opponents or his opponent in Frankfurt?
There will certainly be a lot of emotion at the table on Sunday. I'm sure that Timo will be ready to play at the highest level once again. It's a great honor for me to be there for his last match. It's a farewell to a great athlete and a great career who has given so much to table tennis. I wish him all the best for the future.
What image from your time in Ochsenhausen do you want to remember in particular?
I will cherish every moment and every emotion I shared with people on and off the court and hope that the fans remember me as someone who brought them energy, joy and happiness, always gave his best for the club and put a smile on their faces.
Thank you very much for the interview, Hugo Calderano.
Interview: Florian Manzke