In the feature’s latest edition, we learn more about a young player with huge potential.

Croatia’s Petra Marcinko enjoyed a blistering run of form during the latter stages of 2021 and finished the year as the No. 1-ranked girl on the planet, which saw her crowned an ITF World Champion.

The 16-year-old’s ascent continued and in January she won the Australian Open girls’ title. In March she claimed back-to-back professional titles at W25 Antalya, while only last week she made her Billie Jean King Cup by BNP Paribas debut as Croatia sealed a place in November's Play-offs. 

To aid her progression and development, Marcinko has this year been awarded financial assistance through an ITF-administered Grand Slam Player Development Programme Grant.

It’s time to get to know Petra a little better.

Describe yourself in three words? 

Friendly, hardworking, determined

Who was your tennis idol growing up? 

Roger Federer

What was your first tennis memory?

My first practice, lots of kids on court and fun games

What has been the favourite match you have been involved in? 

The Australian Open girls’ final against Sofia Costoulas

Who has been your toughest opponent?

I don’t know. I have played against some great opponents and it’s too difficult to pick one

What is your favourite Grand Slam and why?

So far, the Australian Open

What are your ambitions for 2022?

To improve my game as much as I can

What is the best advice you have received?

Don’t take anything for granted

Do you have any superstitions?

I have some…

Favourite sport other than tennis? 

American football

Favourite team or individual within that sport? 

New Orleans Saints

Who has been your biggest inspiration?

Drazen Petrovic, Croatian basketball player

Favourite person to follow on social media?

I don’t use social media

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

I would talk to Drazen Petrovic and I would ask him when did he realise that he could become a great basketball player

What would your dream car be?

Toyota Supra MK4 or Mustang Shelby

What would be your favourite three-course meal? 

Asparagus soup, T-bone steak, mum’s chocolate pancakes

What is your favourite film? 

Back to the Future

What is your favourite book?

The Hunger Games trilogy

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

Hang out with my friends, read books…

What annoys you most and why?

Dishonest people, because you never know what are they really thinking

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

I like all kind of music, depends on my mood

What are you watching on Netflix or television currently?

The Vampire Diaries

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

I have golden retriever dog name Alf and I adore him

Do you have a fear of anything?

I have a fear of darkness when I am alone

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

I have a Nintendo Switch and Mario Kart is my favourite game

This feature first appeared in the spring 2022 edition of ITFWorld. To view the latest edition of ITFWorld, click here.