Meet Thomas Gadecki, a talented 17-year-old from the Gold Coast and a member of Tennis Australia’s National Tennis Academy.
Brisbane, Australia , 3 August 2023 | Leigh Rogers
Thomas Gadecki’s older siblings inspired him to play tennis. Now he’s proudly following in the footsteps of sister Olivia and looking to turn his passion for the sport into a professional career.
The 17-year-old from the Gold Coast is showing plenty of promise too.
Gadecki represented Australia in the Junior Davis Cup Finals last year and won the 16-and-under Australian Championships singles title during the 2022 December Showdown. He also made his junior Grand Slam-level debut at Australian Open 2023.
In our series profiling Tennis Australia’s National Tennis Academy athletes, Gadecki opens up about his future goals and biggest inspirations …
How did you start playing tennis?
I started playing tennis because I’ve been watching my brothers and sister playing pretty much since I was born.
What do you enjoy most about tennis?
I love competing and being able to solve problems out on the court.
What has been the highlight of your tennis journey so far?
Definitely winning nationals last year.
What did it mean to you to win a national title?
To win a national title is pretty special. It was a pretty awesome feeling.
Thomas Gadecki celebrates winning the 16/u Australian Championships singles title. Picture: Tennis Australia
For winning the national title, you received a wildcard into the Australian Open 2023 junior competition. That must have been pretty special as well?
Yeah, getting a wildcard into the AO was super special. I’ve always dreamt of playing in that tournament. Hopefully it was my first of many experiences.
What was the experience like competing at Melbourne Park during the Australian Open?
It was really cool. It’s such a cool atmosphere and I got to play on one of the bigger courts, Court 3, which was pretty cool as well.
Did you enjoy playing in front of the Australian Open crowd?
The crowd for my match was wild. I was just trying to embrace it and kind of use it as a bit of fuel to get me going. It was a tough match, but I had so much fun.
Who are your favourite players to watch?
My favourite tennis player is definitely Sebastian Korda. I like his game style and the way he goes about his tennis. I really look up to him.
Who were your childhood idols?
My biggest idol was Roger Federer. I think he’s just the most perfect…
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