Peru’s top-ranked tennis player, Ignacio Buse, believes he is currently playing the best tennis of his career following a remarkable week at the ongoing Hamburg Open in Germany.
The 22-year-old has showcased outstanding form on the clay courts of Hamburg, continuing his rapid rise on the ATP Tour and strengthening hopes that Peru may soon have another major presence in world tennis.
‘Best tennis of my life’
Ignacio Buse’s live ATP ranking is now 42nd after he reached the semi-finals in Hamburg. He will take on American lucky loser Aleksandar Kovacevic on Friday for a place in the final.
“This is the best tennis I have played in my life,” Buse said during the tournament.
“This is just a progression and I want to keep improving.”
While Buse’s performances on court are beginning to attract international attention, the Peruvian star is equally passionate about promoting his country’s culture around the world.
His uncle, Gaston Acurio, is one of South America’s most celebrated chefs and widely regarded as a global ambassador for Peruvian cuisine.
Acurio has authored several cookbooks, hosted television programmes, and received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 for his contributions to gastronomy.
‘Not good at cooking’
Despite growing up around culinary excellence, Buse admitted his own cooking skills are far more modest.
“I’m not good at cooking,” he joked.
Still, there is one traditional dish he feels confident preparing.
“My favourite dish is ceviche. It is easy to cook. It is raw fish, spicy with aji, onions, and lemon. It is fresh.
“You catch the fish, prepare it on the boat, and it is eaten before you return to shore.”
Away from tennis, Buse has embraced the role of cultural ambassador, regularly speaking about Peru’s history, cuisine, and landmarks during his travels across the global tennis circuit.
“As a Peruvian, I try to expand the Peruvian culture,” he explained.
“For example, the Incas, Machu Picchu.”
Travelled so much
His enthusiasm even became part of a recent conversation with Novak Djokovic, one of the sport’s greatest champions.
“Novak was interested in experiencing the energy of Machu Picchu,” Buse revealed.
“I tried to also tell him about the Peruvian food. I’m like an ambassador of Peru. I’ve travelled so much I try to tell everyone about Peru.”
Buse is expected to receive additional family support during the clay-court season, with Acurio planning to attend Roland Garros next week.
“My uncle is coming to Roland Garros next week,” Buse said.
“So, it will be very special to be together with him.”
Biggest challenges
The young Peruvian now faces one of the biggest challenges of his career when he takes on Russia’s Andrey Rublev in the opening round of Roland Garros.
“It will be the first time I have qualified directly into the main draw,” Buse said.
With his confidence soaring and his profile rapidly growing, Buse appears poised not only to lead the next generation of Peruvian tennis, but also to become one of the country’s most recognisable sporting ambassadors on the international stage.
Dave Marshall is reporting exclusively from the 2026 Hamburg Open in Germany for The South African.
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