Fans will get to know Lorenzo Sonego’s game on Saturday when he plays Rafael Nadal in the third round at Wimbledon, but there is far more to the Italian than forehands and backhands.
You can add Sonego to the list of musically inclined players on the ATP Tour, which also includes Denis Shapovalov and Corentin Moutet. Just one week ago, the 27-year-old and his longtime friend, “AlterEdo”, released their newest song: “Sing”.
“We did some songs together when we were young for a hobby,” Sonego told ATPTour.com earlier this year. “And then, we tried to do something together for enjoyment in the summer and only to enjoy the moment and do something different, not always [focus on] tennis.”
This is not the first song they have released together. Last European summer, they released “Un Solo Secondo”, which has received more than 14,000 views on YouTube. Sonego's friend writes the songs, but the former World No. 21 contributes vocals.
Would Sonego consider a collaboration with any other players on Tour?
“One day, if Matteo Berrettini wants we could do something together,” Sonego said cracking a laugh. “Only with Matteo, because he’s my best friend on the Tour for sure.”
Not only does Sonego enjoy singing, but he likes listening to reggaeton and South American music as well as dancing. Beyond just finding pleasure in these things, he feels it is important to not be solely focussed on tennis.
“I think to not have a monotonous life, you have to enjoy some different hobbies. I like playing basketball with some friends. I know it’s hard because it’s dangerous for me [to play other sports],” Sonego said. “I play on Tour, but I like to play basketball with some friends and sing some songs with some friends.”
Sonego believes that he will try to release one song every European summer, which will give fans something to look forward to. You can also find him working on his game on the basketball court.
In March, Sonego attended an NBA game between his favourite team, the Golden State Warriors, and the Miami Heat. The Italian began following the sport more closely when the Warriors’ dynasty began, and he has become a big fan of Steph Curry.
“He’s the best shooter in the world, I think,” Sonego said. “When I saw Curry play, it was impossible to not like [him].”
It is no surprise that if Sonego could go to dinner with three people, it would be Berrettini, Berrettini’s longtime coach, Vincenzo Santopadre, and Curry.
On the court, Sonego has established himself as a dangerous grass-court foe. Three years ago, he claimed his first tour-level title on the surface in Antalya. Last year, he advanced to the fourth round at Wimbledon, where he fell short against Roger Federer.
Now the No. 54 player in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings will have another chance to reach the last 16 at The Championships. Sonego has never previously faced 22-time major winner Nadal, but he will give the Spaniard his best on Centre Court.
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