Get to know Giulio Zeppieri, the latest Italian breaking through

Italy has produced several upcoming stars in recent years, with World No. 4 Jannik Sinner leading the way.

Giulio Zeppieri is the latest Italian to make his mark on the big stage, with the 22-year-old earning his second major main draw win at the Australian Open this week. Ahead of his second-round clash against Cameron Norrie, the World No. 133 caught up with ATPTour.com to discuss his early memories of the sport, off-court interests and relationships with his fellow Italians.

What are your first memories of playing tennis?
I started at school. School had a project for some sports and I chose tennis when I was five years old. After I grew up, I'd play every day, every time. I played a lot of sports when I was young, but when I was 10 or 12, I chose tennis.

Who was your main influence when it came to tennis?
I was with my first coach Piero Melaranci for more than half my life. That was my first coach and I stayed with him until two years ago. I was very close to him and still am. He is a friend of my parents. They stay together at Christmas. They spend Christmas together. So every time I go back to my hometown, I go to visit him. I have a very good relationship with him.

My father is a lawyer. My mum doesn't work, but they're not very into sports, but they support me and that's it. That's good for me.

What are some of your main off-court interests?
I like football and support Roma. We don't have the best team but I support them. Winning the Euros against England in 2021 was a good moment. I was at a Challenger with all my friends, so I remember that game very well. Last good moments of football in Italy.

I also enjoy Harry Potter, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings. My favourite book for Harry Potter is the sixth. There was a lot of change in that book so it was the most dramatic for me.

What are some of your favourite places that you have visited?
When I was young, I would go to Cairo to see the pyramids. It was a very great experience. Australia is very cool. It is one of the best places. Also New York and Rome. It's my hometown, so when I go home for a tournament, It's very good every time.

You are competing in just your second main draw at a major. How are you finding the experience?
I really like to play five sets, I really enjoy it. I think that's one of the most beautiful things in our sport. You can have great battles, also you have a chance for recovery from a set down maybe. I really enjoy that. Every time when you go to a Slam, you can see the very big players, so maybe you can take little tips from there. It's very cool.

There is a big group of young Italians at the moment on Tour. How nice is that?
We all grew up together, we are all friends, so for us, it's very important to stay together. To stay here together. Also, Jannik [Sinner] and Lorenzo [Musetti] are already there, and [Matteo] Arnaldi. Flavio [Cobolli], Luca Nardi, [Francesco] Passaro and [Mattia] Bellucci, we want to break into the Top 100. It is very good for us to see what they can do because we can push each other.