Josué Guzmán Alcas, a 16-year-old boy born in Piura and living in Arequipa, has managed to become an elite tennis player.
At his young age, he stands out in various tournaments that place him as one of the best in South America, and he discussed these issues with El Tiempo.
– How did that passion you have for tennis come about?
I’ve been playing since I was seven years old, I did it for fun. It all started when I started watching my sister (Dana) play; at that time she was nine years old.
– At what age did you start competing?
I’ve been doing it since I was seven years old, in tennis tournaments 10. It’s different, because you participate with different balls and you don’t play on the whole court.
– Who do you admire in tennis?
I really like Roger Federer’s game, even though he is not playing much anymore.
– At your young age, do you manage to improve your level in events in South America?
At the age of 12 I did the tournaments of the South American Tennis Confederation (COSAT), where the best players participate. There I played against representatives of 10 countries, we were in second place.
– Have you made several tennis tours?
That’s right, at the age of 13 I toured all of South America, to five countries. In the first stage the best from each country played and I came to be number 1 on that tour. At the age of 14 I did a European tour.
– Do you remember the countries you did that tour?
It was the Cosat Tournament, a trip to Uruguay, Argentina, Peru, Chile and Bolivia.
– You are now an elite tennis player. In what position do you appear in the ranking?
At 16 years old I play ITF tournaments, until I was 18 years old. That puts me in position 220. There are older people who are lower down and younger than me, who are higher up.
Would you like to play a Pan American or a Davis Cup?
At 16 years old I play ITF tournaments, until I was 18 years old. I dream of representing Peru in those games. Same Davis Cup.
By: Félix Zocola R.
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