Lombardo laughs in face of illness as Mexico make Olympics

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It was a good day for Lombardo Ontiveros! Photocredit: Michael Kunkel.

We don’t know too many people who don’t care when they’re sick but we definitely know that Mexican Lombardo Ontiveros is one of them!

Not everyone is a morning person – we’ve already found that out this week – but when Lombardo woke-up with an illness this morning it was not the ideal preparation for a crucial day’s play.

However, despite suffering badly from an allergic reaction he and partner Juan Virgen battled heroically to win two matches which was enough to win them a place at the Olympic Games in Rio!

A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do, and even if you’re ill you’ve just got to get on with it – especially if the prize is a place on the Copacabana.

“I couldn’t sleep well and I have been sick,” Lombardo told us after his superb win over Latvians Martins Plavins and Haralds Regza on Court 4.

“I had to play and try to qualify – it was hard but you’ve just got to get on with it. And if you carry on it shows magical things can happen.

“I called the doctor and he came early and put some drops in my eyes. It was crazy. I never play with sunglasses but I’ve played with them in two games and won two games.

“It didn’t feel very comfortable but I don’t care!”

The result for the merry Mexicans has certainly added extra spice to this Major on and off the court. Why? Well it denied Germany’s Erdman/Matysik a guaranteed place in the Olympics…and now they need to qualify the hard way through the Continental Cup. It’s fair to say it’s not been a great day for the Germans…

And while we’re on the subject, Canadians Chaim Schalk and Ben Saxton also rubber-stamped their Rio passports too today. Well done guys!

What a day it’s turning out to be. Everything is going to plan! We see heroes in the making and they are realizing their dreams. So excuse us if we’re feeling a little happy right now J

Juan Virgen, pictured right, is off to Rio! Photocredit: Michael Kunkel.