Meet Daniel Jovanovski, a 15-year-old from Melbourne and considered one of Australia’s most promising junior abilities.

Melbourne, Australia, 17 November 2023 | Leigh Rogers

The 15-year-old from Melbourne proved he was one to look at on the 2022 December Showdown, the place he scooped nationwide 14-and-under titles in singles, doubles and blended doubles.

Jovanovski has since loved success on the ITF World Tour, profitable back-to-back junior singles title at New Caledonia earlier this 12 months, took half in Tennis Australia’s inaugural Expertise Mix and final month was named Tennis Victoria’s Male Junior Athlete of the Yr.

In our collection profiling Australia’s most promising junior gamers, Jovanovski reveals his greatest inspirations and long-term objectives …

How did you get began in tennis?

It was my older brother that actually obtained me into it. I used to be three years outdated and as quickly as I noticed my brother decide up a racquet, I knew I used to be destined to play.

Does your brother nonetheless play?

Sadly he stop, however he’s nonetheless doing a little stuff with me. I get pleasure from competing in opposition to him. We’ve at all times had a little bit of a rivalry.

What do you get pleasure from most about tennis?

The aggressive a part of it. I like getting on the market within the warmth.

What has been the spotlight of your tennis journey up to now?

That’s query. There’s been a whole lot of highs and lows, however undoubtedly profitable the nationals final 12 months at December Showdown was actually cool.

Daniel Jovanovski together with his trophies from the 2022 December Showdown. Image: Tennis Australia

Have you ever travelled a lot along with your tennis this 12 months?

I’ve travelled a bit round Australia. I performed in Darwin, the place it was fairly scorching. Then I went to Noumea (in New Caledonia), the place he obtained to strive French delicacies, which was very nice.

What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learnt on-court this 12 months?

What I actually need to work on, particularly on the psychological facet.

What are your long-term objectives in tennis?

I look as much as Novak Djokovic. So after all, I’d like to be world No.1 and actually embrace what tennis is and the way it can have an effect on my life.

Why do you look as much as Djokovic?

He and I share some similarities, akin to the best way we act on court docket. Generally we’re a bit loud, however typically we’re a bit mushy.

Who’re your different favorite gamers to look at?

This would possibly sound bizarre, however Marcos Baghdatis. He was a little bit of a personality. I bear in mind watching him smash 4 bats in a row out of his bag and I simply cherished it.

How would you describe your sport fashion in a single sentence?

If I’m on, good luck.

What do you love to do while you’re not enjoying tennis?

Positively exit with mates and simply have some enjoyable.

Is it troublesome managing education and competitors?

I nonetheless go to a standard faculty, so it’s a problem. I attempt to excel in school and it may be exhausting to steadiness, however I do my finest.

What are your favorite topics?

Positively maths.

If you happen to weren’t pursuing tennis, would different profession would you contemplate?

I’d undoubtedly look to present again to tennis, akin to being a physio or one thing to do with the game.

Daniel Jovanovski checks himself within the health club throughout Tennis Australia’s Expertise Mix. Image: Tennis Australia

What are the objectives for you for the remainder of the 12 months?

I’d prefer to get into the world’s prime 300 within the ITF junior rankings and I’m actually trying ahead to the December Showdown and making an attempt to go back-to-back-to-back.

Is competing in juniors at Australian Open 2024 a purpose for you?

I’m hoping for a wildcard. If not, I’ll attempt to grind it out in quallies. It might imply quite a bit to play on the Australian Open, it’s at all times been my dream.

Ebook on-line, play as we speak: Go to play.tennis.com.au to get out on court docket and have some enjoyable!