Francesco Passaro started the season outside the Top 600 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings. Eleven months later, the Italian enters the Intesa Sanpaolo Next Gen ATP Finals in 119th place, the highest of his career.
The 21-year-old is one of three Italians competing in the event and his aim will be to impress on home soil in Milan. Passaro spoke to ATPTour.com ahead of his second Green Group match, sharing his interests and goals.
If you were not a tennis player, what job would you like and why?
A soccer player. When he was younger, he played soccer and [wanted to be] a professional or being a manager in sports.
If you could have dinner with three people, who would they be and why?
roger [Federer] Because he is my idol. I mean, he is the god of tennis. Lionel Messi, for what he has done. The third [would be] an actor. To have a different kind of conversation.
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Describe your perfect day if you are not playing tennis.
I would be with my family, with my girlfriend and with my friends. I like to watch TV series, so I would watch Peaky Blinders. I would go out to dinner. Maybe go for a walk. I also like to go shopping in the city. I like fashion.
Who has had the biggest impact on your life and why?
My family and my coach. This year many things have changed now. At the beginning of the year, I was 600 in the world. Now I’m 119. It’s a big change. It’s good to have your support.
What is the most interesting thing you have had to do in your life?
I had the opportunity to meet a lot of great people. When I was younger I played soccer. Doing every young boy thing. Also playing video games.