A fast-growing tennis player from Delta State, Anthony Famous has picked Switzerland legend, Roger Federer as his role model in the racquet game.
Famous disclosed this during an exclusive interview with Sports247 at the ongoing Niger Delta Games in Benin City, where he emerged with victory in his first game.
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The youngster stated delight with his victorious opening game of the competition and admitted glee in how he was able to make his coach proud of him.
Famous disclosed, “I won my first match, and I’m happy about it. My coach is also happy, my teammates are happy, and I pray that I continue to win all my matches.
“I love playing tennis, and I am happy for the encouragement that I am receiving. That makes me put in more effort. I am glad that I always make my sponsors and mentors proud.”
He continued by revealing that he loves to watch Federer’s games in order to learn more tricks of the aces’ game and thanked his pals in Team Delta for stepping up as well.
“I am happy that all of us have been able to satisfy people who are sponsoring us. I am also happy that I have been able to keep on improving in my game.
“My role model is Federer. I always watch him so that I can learn new ideas from his games. I want to play like Federer and achieve greatness like him when I grow up.
“I want to win many grand slams – like the US Open, Australia Open, Wimbledon, and all the major titles. I pray that I get there one day,” said the talented youngster.
The rising star went on to reveal that his main target for now is winning gold at the ongoing sub-regional multi-sports competition in Benin City, which continues until next weekend.
He added that a recent wave of encouragement thar Nigeria’s tennis players are receiving has given them extra confidence and determination to win big games for the country, while also expressing expectations of more glory to come.
Famous added, “Nigeria’s current players are doing well because they are now getting more encouragement. So, this year, I think we will see more Nigerians doing well out there.
“Everybody’s playing well, and they are encouraging us more. So, I believe, this year or next year, we will see Nigerians emerge among the top stars at the US Open, Wimbledon and so on.
“I also see the Niger Delta Games as a very nice tournament that will help our players to get better. The organisation is nice, the players are doing well, and we are getting enough encouragement. I really like everything that I’m seeing here.”
He concluded with more words of gratitude to all his motivators, benefactors and mentors who keep giving him enough support to aim for better results each day he steps out on the tennis court.
“I want to say thanks to everybody that’s sponsoring me. I will do all my best to make sure that I do my best. I will make all my guys proud by playing a wonderful tournament,” Famous assured.
