Few Australians have accomplished what Novak Palombo has accomplished at such a young age.<\/p>\n
The 13-year-old became one of three Australians to win the Orange Bowl<\/a> last December, before competing in the 14\/u Wimbledon invitational in July.\u00a0<\/p>\n READ: Palombo, Jackson selected to play at Wimbledon<\/a><\/p>\n Most recently, Palombo won the 14\/u De Minaur Tour Junior Finals and was nominated for Male Junior Athlete of the Year at the Australian Tennis Awards<\/a> on Monday 8 December. He would become the youngest recipient of the award in its 15-year history should he win.<\/p>\n In our series profiling Australia\u2019s most promising junior players, Palombo reflects on his Orange Bowl victory and details his ambition to follow in the footsteps of his namesake, Novak Djokovic.<\/p>\n Tennis.com.au: What are your memories of watching Wimbledon?<\/p>\n Palombo: I remember every year waking up early in the morning, trying to see matches before they finish. A memory of mine is watching Djokovic win another Wimbledon title. I felt very happy. I really like him and he’s my favourite player.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Why is Novak Djokovic your favourite player?\u00a0<\/p>\n I like his game style. I like how he never gives up on the court, gives great effort and always goes for everything.<\/p>\n How did you get into tennis?<\/p>\n When I was younger, I just tried lots of sports, and when I played tennis, I really liked it, so I continued to play it.\u00a0<\/p>\n What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve received on a tennis court?<\/p>\n My best piece of advice is quite normal. Just go for every ball, don’t give up and give great effort on the court, and have a great attitude.<\/p>\n Aside from Djokovic are there any other inspirations in your life?<\/p>\n My parents have taken a lot of time, spent a lot of money on my tennis, and have helped me and supported me. I am also inspired by my coaches from Victoria, they’ve also really helped me, and I’m really thankful for them and hope I do them proud.<\/p>\n What did it mean, not only to compete at the Orange Bowl, but also to win the tournament?\u00a0<\/p>\n When I went to the Orange Bowl, I wasn’t expecting much. I knew I was going to play all the best 12-and-unders around the world. Every match I had confidence and a good attitude, and I was very positive and went through all my matches one by one. I ended up making it to the final, had a four-hour match, played really well and ended up winning it. I was very happy!<\/p>\n What\u2019s your long-term tennis goal?<\/p>\n My long-term goal is to win the Australian Open and become world No.1.<\/p>\n What does the Australian Open mean to you?<\/p>\n Because I’m from Melbourne, and there\u2019s a Grand Slam in Melbourne, and I’ve been there many times. I wish I could win it.<\/p>\n How would it feel to have that Aussie crowd behind you?<\/p>\n I would have so much joy. Hopefully, my family and all my coaches are there to support me.\u00a0<\/p>\n More in our ‘Rising Aussies’ series<\/p>\n > Ethan Domingo<\/a><\/p>\n >\u00a0Nahla Salley<\/a><\/p>\n