Passaro Talks Fashion & Dinner With Federer

Francesco Passaro started the season outside the Top 600 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings. Eleven months on and the Italian arrives at the Intesa Sanpaolo Next Gen ATP Finals at a career-high No. 119.

The 21-year-old is one of three Italians competing at the event and will be aiming to impress on home soil in Milan. Passaro spoke to ATPTour.com ahead of his second Green Group match, sharing his interests and aims.

If you weren’t a tennis player, what job would you want and why?
A football player. When I was younger, I played football and [wanted to be] a professional or to be 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, because of what he’s done. The third [would be] an actor. To have a different kind of conversation.

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 a TV series, so would watch Peaky Blinders. I would have some dinner out. Maybe go and have a walk. I like also to go shopping in the city. I like fashion.

Who has had the greatest impact on your life and why?
My family and my coach. This year a lot of 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 is good to have their support.

What is the most interesting thing you have ever got to do in your life?
I had the chance to meet a lot of great people. When I was younger I played football. Doing the things of every younger guy. Also playing video games.