'My mates call me Jaca-vic after Novak': South Africa's Siyabonga Jaca

There are 96 nominated players at the 2022 ITF World Junior Tennis Finals and one of the most buoyant characters is South Africa’s Siyabonga Jaca, whose smile and boyish playfulness has illuminated Prostejov.

Here are five snippets – in his own words – to get to know 14-year-old Siyabonga Jaca a little better:

Cool nickname

“My friends call me Jaca-vic after Novak Djokovic. It’s because of my backhand as they say it is like Novak’s. I love being called Jaca-vic because it is gives me confidence on court and I fight for every point on court like he does. I fight and I scream for every point.”

Growing up in South Africa

“I was born in Durban but now I am in Cape Town, and I train at the Anthony Harris Tennis Academy there. In South Africa, most players seem to be big and tall, so I need to be strong mentally and fight for every single point.”

Appreciation of sporting stars

“I love rugby union and I am a good player as I am tiny and fast. My favourite player is Cheslin Kolbe, who plays for Toulon in the Top 14 and of course the Springboks. He is fast and small, but big mentally – I feel I am like that on court.”

Continental drift

“This is my first time in Europe, and it is amazing to see and play against players from all around the world. There are a lot of very good and talented players at the ITF World Junior Tennis Finals. Europe seems like a really fun place and the quality of tennis is amazing.”

National service

“I am so proud to wear South African colours. Wearing them is very, very important to me and it makes me focus and fight more on-court when I’m representing my country. I love South Africa.”