Italy’s Federica Urgesi won back-to-back tournaments in Cairo last month, including the maiden J500 event of the season, after topping the girls' doubles podium at the Australian Open in January. Given her impressive start to the season, it is time to get to know Federica a little better.

Describe yourself in three words? 

Smiley, stubborn, friendly

Who was your tennis idol growing up? 

Flavia Pennetta

What was your first tennis memory?

Running towards the tennis club close to my home, with the backpack on the shoulder and a tennis racket inside. I was late as usual

Who is the GOAT?

Roger Federer is the GOAT 

What are your ambitions for 2023?

I would like to achieve a great result in the remaining three Junior Grand Slams, getting to the quarter-finals and beyond

What is the best advice you have received? 

Always be professional and determined when training, but at the same time be yourself outside the tennis court and find the right space to have a life outside of tennis as this will make you quiet and calm when playing matches

Do you have any superstitions?

Actually not, on the contrary every time a kind of superstition comes to my mind, I try to do the opposite thing. Maybe not having any superstition is becoming a superstition itself, is that possible?

Favourite sport other than tennis? 

Volleyball 

Favourite team or individual within that sport? 

Paola Egonu is my favourite individual and I also love to watch the Italian boys' and girls' teams compete

Who has been your biggest inspiration?

It may be obvious: Roger Federer 

Favourite social media platform?

Instagram 

Favourite person to follow on social media?

Maneskin, I think they’re so cool 

If you could have a conversation with anyone, past or present, who would it be and what would you ask them?

It would be Serena Williams and I would like to ask her how she felt before entering Arthur Ashe Stadium knowing that it could be the last match of her career.

What would your dream car be?

Obviously an Italian car: Ferrari

What would be your favourite three-course meal? 

First course: pasta carbonara, second course: meat with some vegetables, dessert: tiramisù 

What is your favourite film? 

La vita è bella, with Roberto Benigni

What is your favourite book? 

Winning Ugly by Brad Gilbert 

What do you like to get up to when you’re not playing tennis? 

I don’t have a lot of free time but when I have it I love to spend it with my family at home

What annoys you most and why?

I hate lies as I think they’re useless, I always try to say the truth.

What music are you into and what’s your favourite tune?

I listen to all kinds of music, in particular I love Italians songs. My favourite tune is Ridere (it means laughing, that is what I always do!!) from PTN an Italian group. 

What are you watching on Netflix currently?

Outer Banks

Tell us something that people don’t know about you?

I know it’s hard to accept but I don’t like Coke or any drinks with gas, sorry guys

Do you own a games console and what is your favourite game?

When I was a child, I used to play Just Dance a lot with my sister on the Wii. I miss those times