Young tennis champ set on playing at the top

WHEN four-year-old Roman Filipovic picked up a tennis racquet for the first time, he fell in love with the game.

After 11 years of training, the almost-15-year-old Bacchus Marsh athlete is the boys’ singles and mixed doubles Victorian State Masters Champion for his age group.

With sights set on competing in ITF tournaments across the world in the near future, making the pro top 10, and winning his first grand slam within the next ten years, Filipovic studies through the Virtual School of Victoria so he can flexibly train six times a week.

“I love the competitiveness of the matches,” he said. “I love playing the matches, I love the adreneline feeling; I just love the winning feeling.

“I train six times a week; four times in Melbourne Park with Tennis Australia, and twice with Michael Logarzo. It’s a really good balance and I’m really progressing.

“I need to play a lot of open and ITF tournaments now, that’s the most important thing. ITF is the level before ATP and pro. I need to boost my ranking and experience.”

Becoming the Victorian State Masters Champion in December, representing the Central Highlands, he said that has been a confidence boost.

“I was playing some really good tennis,” he said. “There are strong players in my age group, so it’s good. There are always people in front to catch up to, and people behind trying to catch you, so it motivates you.

“It’s also good to represent the country.”

Filipovic joined the Bacchus Marsh Lawn Tennis Club at eight years old, and returns to coach juniors and give back when he can.”

I gave some lessons with Steve and the Kelly Gang, so I really have to thank them,” he said. “They and the club have been a great help.

“I really enjoy working with the little kids, it’s fun.”

Filipovic expressed his thanks to sponsor Head Tennis, his coaches and family for their support.

Michael Logarzo also coaches high-profile Australian pro, Daria Saville, and previously worked with Ballarat’s Zoe Hives who made her Wimbledon debut in 2022.

Filipovic is a former St. Bernard’s Primary School and Bacchus Marsh Grammar student.