Rafael Pagkonis is making waves in tennis, promising a bright future. Rafael Pagkonis has caught the attention of the Greek community by reaching the final of Wimbledon U14 on Sunday. Although he was defeated, his performance confirmed the promise of a bright future in the world of tennis, as he is at the top of the European rankings for his age. His mother, Eleni Varvarigou, spoke to In about the beginning of his athletic career, his dreams, and the athletes who inspire him.
Rafael left Wimbledon with second place and a wealth of experience, despite the tension and pressure that accompanied the final. While on the court, Rafa gave it his all, even though he was feeling the effects of a sleepless night. The support of the Greek fans was palpable, which encouraged him, as he wants to make them proud. His manager advises him to accept defeat, as it is not always possible to win.
His mother says that Rafa is a natural athlete with a strong competitive spirit, while they examine the influences that led him to tennis. His father, Vasilis, was a basketball player, which influenced Rafa’s decision to pursue sports. Despite his talent in many sports, such as basketball and soccer, tennis is what ultimately won him over.
The choice of the name “Rafael” came naturally from the influence of superstar Rafa Nadal. “We wanted to give him the name of an athlete,” notes Ms. Varvarigou, adding that her son’s idol is now Carlos Alcaraz. In addition, Rafael also draws inspiration from Stefanos Tsitsipas, who is a member of the same club in Glyfada.
In his free time, Rafael enjoys activities such as cycling, playing PlayStation, and swimming in Varkiza, just like any other child his age. His mother accompanies him on all his trips, ensuring that their passion for tennis is a source of joy rather than a burden.
In closing, Rafael’s mother would like to thank the people who have supported them, highlighting the significant help they received from people such as Konstantinos Kokkalis and Andreas Martinos, who provide financial assistance for the trips required for his ranking.
