Hugo will not be able to compete in the WTT US Smash due to bureaucratic issues to entering the United States. The competition begins this Thursday (3) in Las Vegas.

As a Portuguese citizen, he would only need to report his entry into the United States through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), since European Union countries are part of the Visa Waiver Program.

Hugo submitted his application, but given the longer than usual confirmation time by US authorities, he contacted Customs and Border Protection (CBP). He was then informed that he was no longer eligible for visa waiver because he had traveled to Cuba in 2023 to compete in the Pan American Championships and the qualifying event for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, events organized by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF).

Given the situation, Hugo made every effort to obtain an emergency visa, counting on the support of the United States Table Tennis Association (USATT) and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). The emergency appointment was approved, but there was no availability for a consular interview that would allow him to arrive in time for the start of the competition.

“I followed the same protocol as all my previous trips to the United States using my Portuguese passport. When I was informed of the situation, I mobilized my entire team to obtain an emergency visa, but unfortunately, there was not enough time. It is frustrating to be left out of one of the most important competitions of the season for reasons beyond my control, especially coming off such positive results,” he said.

Hugo is having a great run at the tables. In the last two months, he has achieved the greatest achievements of his career: the World Cup title and, more recently, the silver medal at the World Championships.

Last weekend, he won the WTT Star Contender Ljubljana, his eighth WTT title, as the World Tour has been called since 2021. Also in June, he ended his nine-season run with Liebherr Ochsenhausen, leading the club to the German League title.