Tennis stars aim to be role models for young people

(Vatican Radio) The Internazionali BNL d’Italia, the Italian tennis open, is currently taking place in Rome , with the world’s greatest players coming from all over the world to take part.

Georgia Gogarty spoke with men’s doubles partners, Ivan Dodig from Croatia and Marcelo Melo from Brazil, to find out how they are finding the tournament so far and what kind of an impact they think sport has in today’s society.

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Talking about the tournament the duo, who have the first match today, said they are in good spirits and are hoping for a ‘good result’.

When asked about acting as role models for young people through sport, something that Pope Francis has spoken about, Dodig said that “sport is great for young people” and that they are trying to “bring peace and good friendship to all the different religions”. He said that it is a way of different countries connecting, and as players they can have “a good influence on others”. Melo added to this saying in their own partnership there has to be respect as they come from different nations, highlighting that it is something young people can take away from sport.  

Although religion does not have a direct impact on them as sportsmen, Dodig and Melo try to inspire a positive attitude nonetheless. Dodig said that at the tournament they are “all trying to be great friends” and they are trying to show people that sport, particularly tennis, is the way to connect people. Melo also said that sport is for everyone, no matter what their religion or background.

The two spoke about sport as a means of strengthening relationships in communities that have been affected by conflict. Dodig said that a lot of things are happening in the world at the moment and “sport is one of the best ways of uniting the people and to bring peace”.

Melo drew attention to the Olympics which are taking place in Brazil this summer, saying that although Brazil “is not in the best moment”, he sees the games as a positive thing for his country. He thinks it is a good opportunity for people to see Brazil and how “beautiful” it is, as before people were “afraid”. When asked about whether he thought the political instability would have an effect on the games, Melo said he hoped not and reminded us that there had been a similar situation prior to the 2014 Football World Cup and the country had managed to pull through. He said the Brazilian people are “ready” for the Olympics and “always have open arms to everybody”.   

Finally, when asked about who will win the tournament, Dodig and Melo laughed saying they should cheer for themselves. They said their goal has to be to win, however the tournament is one of the best in the world and is hosting great players. Focus and determination will be the key to their success.