Issue link: http://itf.uberflip.com/i/1464213
30 Spring 2022 ITF World HEADER 30 Spring 2022 ITF World 30 Spring 2022 ITF World GET KNOW to In the feature's latest edition, ITFWorld learns more about two promising young players 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, while last month she claimed back-to-back professional titles at W25 Antalya. To aid her progression and development, Marcinko has been awarded financial assistance through an ITF-administered Grand Slam Player Development Programme Grant. Ignacio Buse of Peru, meanwhile, is another player who has enjoyed an encouraging start to 2022. Having reached the quarter-finals and semi-finals at Grade A tournaments last season, the 17-year-old won the biggest title of his career at J1 Lima in February. Buse, who was a member of the Grand Slam Player Development Programme/ITF Touring Team at the Australian Open, hit a career-high junior ranking of No. 9 earlier this year. He is currently ranked No. 13 in the boys' standings. It's time to get to know Petra and Ignacio 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 PETRA MARCINKO