'I want to be a role model to my son'

For Alberto Siblesz, playing at the ITF Young Seniors World Championships is the chance to fulfil a long-held dream denied by an accident in his youth.

“I actually played a world tournament when I was 12, an international event like this,” said the 48-year-old. “I wanted to be a professional, but when I was 15 I was in a car accident and couldn’t play. Then when I was 21, I thought of going pro, but I realised that I wasn’t going to be able to get among the top players and make a living.”

Despite the disappointment, tennis remained a part of Siblesz’s life – a passion that began in Caracas when he was introduced to the game when his father bought him a racquet at the age of four.

And thanks to the ITF Seniors circuit, the Venezuelan can enjoy the camaraderie and competition that comes with playing as part of an international event.

“I guess the importance for us is to keep playing tennis,” he continued. "This is like the Olympics – we want to come here and compete. Jut making it here is amazing, and if you win a match it’s awesome. It’s just a great experience, especially in the teams when you compete against other nations. There’s always that pride at representing your country.”

As for his own ambitions, they are now less about him and more about emulating his father in passing the game on to his children.

“I want to be a role model to my son,” Siblesz explained. “He’s 10. He’s playing now, and I definitely want to pass on the tennis life. Hopefully he does better than me!”