The name Rafael Pagonis has been making headlines in recent days, thanks to his impressive run at Wimbledon, where he reached the final in the Under-14 category. But for those closely following Greek tennis, this success has been a long time coming.
Praise for the now 13-year-old Rafael Pagonis began years ago. His undeniable talent caught the attention of tennis insiders early on—both in Greece and abroad. From a very young age, Pagonis stood out from his peers, showing not only remarkable skill but also the rare ability to go toe-to-toe with much older opponents.
This promising trajectory caught the eye of Patrick Mouratoglou’s team. When Pagonis was just eight years old, scouts from Mouratoglou’s academy visited Glyfada, confirming what many already believed: this kid had something special.
A Big Move to France and a Life-Changing Decision
Nearly two years after that first visit, Pagonis was invited to train at Mouratoglou’s elite tennis academy in France. The move marked a pivotal moment in his young career. Mouratoglou himself, who has Greek roots, didn’t hesitate to share glowing remarks and videos of the young player. The way Rafael moved on the court and the choices he made during matches were far beyond what one would expect from a ten-year-old.
A Life Built Around Tennis
For Rafael, tennis isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life. About a year and a half ago, he stopped attending traditional school and now studies online to accommodate his intense training schedule. His days are carefully structured around practice, physical conditioning, and rest, all with the goal of one day reaching the top of the tennis world.
Inspired by Alcaraz, Determined to Make His Mark
Watch Rafael play, and the influence of Carlos Alcaraz is clear. He models his game after the Spanish star, favoring an aggressive style that puts him in control of the pace. He thrives on dictating the game, always looking for the opportunity to strike. Pagonis is honing the signature elements of Alcaraz’s game—sharp drop shots, smart serves, and fearless shot-making—to stand out on the international stage.
At just 13, Rafael has a long road ahead. But with years of development, talent, and hard work already under his belt, his dream of winning titles and writing his own chapter in tennis history feels increasingly within reach.
This December, he’ll turn 14—and from there, it’s all in his hands.
