ITALY ITALY
“At the age of 4 I already had a racket in my hand, at the age of 6 I played my first tournament. I started in Italy, in the Satellite tournaments in Bari, Lecce, Brindisi, I have great memories of those times”. Memories he could not see again in his children: “When I saw them start playing sport at the age of 13 I thought: ‘At their age I already attended the circuit regularly, I was professional, I had the pressure, the comparison with adults, it seems impossible to me today’”. Italy, Italy. “Italy is Love”laughed Andre. “I remember very well the first time in Rome, in ’87, at 17, against an Italian – Simone Colombo - People shouted at me and threw everything at me. But 15 years later I won the competition.”.
And in September he presented Jannik Sinner at the US Open: “He impresses me because he is humble, he listens, he always says interesting things. But above all how he hits the ball perfectly: that’s what I tried to do in tennis. And then he has Darren Cahill as a coach, I had him too, he knows how to talk to champions, he had many, even Hewitt and Halep”. Italy, Italy, Steffi will also be talking about our tennis: “I guess you can’t complain, right? How nice to see the energy and passion that Jasmine Paolini brings to the field. So small, she came late to a high level but she knows how to fight on an equal footing with much more talented opponents.”
CHILDREN
Tennis is a school of life. “But you have to look at it with the right perspective, with passion, or it can overwhelm you,” suggests Andre. “Sport is good for you, it helps you grow”dice Steffi. “We left our kids free to choose what they wanted, Jaden wanted football but before he went on the field for the first time he thought better of it and switched to football, Jaz played many different sports”. Andre recites from memory, one of Steffi’s many lessons: “I always repeat to him something she gave me: ‘Your life is important, you have to make choices, every day'”. Children watch their parents from the cover and who knows what they say. Maybe they are left speechless like the children from Cuneo seeing how the ends came together. “Andre brought enthusiasm to traditional tennis: well, in white. It brought color and freshness, it pushed the boundaries further, it caught my attention.” If this is not love.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Tennis Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our special feature! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with renowned tennis expert Andre, who has an incredible journey in the sport from his early years in Italy to his current role in mentoring young talent. Andre, thank you for joining us.
Andre: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to share my experiences.
Time.news Editor: Let’s start from the beginning. You mentioned that you picked up a racket at the age of 4 and were competing by 6. Can you take us back to those early days? What was that experience like?
Andre: Absolutely! Starting so young, the thrill of holding a racket in my tiny hands was unforgettable. I remember the Satellite tournaments in Bari, Lecce, and Brindisi like they were yesterday. The excitement, the nerves, the feeling of being part of something bigger was just priceless. Those memories shaped my love for the game.
Time.news Editor: It’s fascinating to hear about those early competitions. You’ve spoken about how your children began playing sports at 13, which is much later than you did. How does that difference make you feel?
Andre: It’s a strange feeling! When I saw my children starting at 13, I was taken aback. At their age, I was already navigating the pressures of the professional circuit. It really makes you reflect on how the times have changed and how different the expectations are today. It seems unimaginable for me today!
Time.news Editor: Indeed, the sport culture has evolved. Speaking of pressure, you faced an intense crowd in Rome at just 17. Can you share what that experience taught you about resilience?
Andre: Oh yes, that match against Simone Colombo was unforgettable. The crowd was extremely vocal, and not in my favor! They hurled things at me, and it felt like the world was against me. But that taught me resilience and the importance of staying focused amidst chaos. Fast forward 15 years, and I ended up winning that competition—what a full circle moment!
Time.news Editor: That’s an incredible story! Shifting gears to current times, you recently praised Jannik Sinner at the US Open. What impresses you most about him?
Andre: Jannik is remarkable—his humility stands out the most. You don’t often see young talents with such grace and willingness to learn. He listens intently, always striving to evolve, and consistently delivers interesting insights. His attitude toward the game and his growth are what we need in today’s tennis landscape.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like he embodies the spirit of the sport. With such talent emerging in Italy, what do you think the future holds for Italian tennis?
Andre: I genuinely believe the future is bright for Italian tennis. We have a rich tradition and an array of young players with immense potential. If they continue to work hard and be open to learning, Italy could become a powerhouse in the sport again.
Time.news Editor: That’s an exciting prospect for fans! Before we wrap up, do you have any advice for young athletes dreaming of making it in tennis?
Andre: Absolutely! Focus on your passion for the game, embrace every experience, and remember that setbacks are part of the journey. Surround yourself with supportive people who inspire you, and don’t lose sight of your dreams, no matter how far away they seem.
Time.news Editor: Wise words to finish on! Thank you, Andre, for this engaging conversation and your insights into the world of tennis.
Andre: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure sharing my journey and thoughts on this wonderful sport.