''I'm playing doubles, so I won't be able to watch the World Cup, but I'm predicting Argentina to win 2–1.''

This year's events in Umag have created a unique link between tennis and football—not because of the Croatian national team, but because of Argentina, and the man behind it is Roman Andres Burruchaga.

Currently ranked No. 67 in the ATP singles rankings, Burruchaga is enjoying the best season of his career. Earlier this year, he reached the final in Houston, where he held three championship points against American Tommy Paul before narrowly missing out on the title.

He also got off to a strong start at the Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag, defeating 2018 champion Marco Cecchinato of Italy 6-1, 6-4 to set up a second-round clash on Wednesday with top seed Flavio Cobolli.

"I played a really good match—one of my best performances of the season. The level was very similar to what I produced in Houston, especially in the first set," Burruchaga said.

He was then asked whether he was pleased to have won his doubles match on Monday. At first glance, it seemed like an unusual question, but he immediately understood what the reporter was getting at.

"Yes, because on Wednesday I'll play my singles match first and then the doubles, which means I won't be able to watch the World Cup semi-final between Argentina and England. Of course, every interview starts with tennis questions and ends with football," Burruchaga said with a smile. "I'm used to it by now. My prediction—and my hope—for the semi-final is an Argentina 2-1 win."

DId you know?
Roman Andres is more than just a passionate supporter of Argentina. His connection to the national team runs much deeper. His father, Jorge Burruchaga, scored the winning goal in the 1986 FIFA World Cup final in Mexico, sealing Argentina's famous 3-2 victory over West Germany.