*Este artículo fue escrito por Tenis de Florida
Joaquim Rasgado’s tennis journey is one that spans generations. From competing against future legends on the international junior circuit to helping build the game in Florida, his impact on tennis extends far beyond his accomplishments on the court.
Rasgado came to the United States at age 17 after earning a scholarship to the University of Miami, where he became part of one of the strongest teams in school history.
“We had a great team in the ’70s,” Rasgado recalled. “My first year there, we had Eddie Dibbs, who later became one of the top five players in the world, and we finished No. 6 in the country. In my senior year, we finished No. 2 in the country. That was as high as the University of Miami got.”
Before arriving in South Florida, Rasgado had already established himself as one of the top junior players of his era. Among his most notable achievements was a victory over future tennis icon Björn Borg.
“I did beat Borg in the quarterfinals of the Wimbledon Junior tournament,” he said.
He also reached the semifinals of both Wimbledon Juniors and the Orange Bowl, which were among the premier junior events in the world at the time.
Following his collegiate career, Rasgado played professional tennis for several years before settling permanently in South Florida, where he remained deeply involved in the growth of the sport.
“I kept playing tennis. I kept volunteering,” he said.
His dedication eventually led him to serve as president of what was then known as the Florida Tennis Association, now USTA Florida. He was also inducted into the University of Miami Hall of Fame, a recognition of both his playing career and contributions to the university.
Even decades after his junior and collegiate success, Rasgado continues to compete at a remarkably high level. He achieved the No. 1 ranking in the United States in the 35-and-over division and later repeated the feat in the 70-and-over division.
“I’ve been No. 1 in the U.S. a couple times,” Rasgado said. “I was No. 1 in the 35s and more recently in the 70s division.”
His passion for the game remains as strong as ever. In fact, this interview took place on his first day back on court after a total knee replacement.
“As a matter of fact, you caught me on my first day out after my knee replacement,” he said.
Having witnessed tennis evolve for more than 50 years, Rasgado believes today’s players are more athletic than ever before.
“The game has changed unbelievably,” he said. “What surprised me most of all is the athleticism of these new players that we see now.”
From defeating future champions and representing the University of Miami to leading tennis organizations and earning national rankings well into his senior years, Rasgado’s lifelong dedication to tennis continues to inspire players throughout South Florida and beyond.
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