Zarif Abrar, a 17-year-old teenager, has quickly emerged as the beacon of hope in Bangladesh tennis at a very young age. The Grade-11 student was recently crowned champion in the National Tennis Competition and has already represented Bangladesh at international meets in both junior and senior levels. Zarif, who is now in Florida and training under renowned coach Ashley Hobson at the Hobson Performance Tennis Academy, talked to The Daily Star's Anisur Rahman recently about his current training, his journey in tennis and his future plans. Below are excerpts of the conversation.

The Daily Star (DS): You left to train in the USA right after becoming champion in the National Tennis Competition in Dhaka. How is the training going on?

Zarif Abrar (ZA): Training is always excellent here. It's a bit tougher, but I believe that's essential for my improvement. I'll be staying here for six months.

DS: You had trained at the same academy in two spells in 2023. Why did you choose this academy?

ZA: My father [MD Sazmul Haque] did extensive research before selecting coach Ashley Hobson for my training. He has an outstanding profile in the international tennis arena, making him the perfect coach to guide me.

DS: Can you share your ultimate goal in tennis?

ZA: My ultimate goal is to compete in the international professional circuit, the ATP Tours, and proudly represent Bangladesh on the global stage.

DS: How much does training under Ashley Hobson cost and how much has it improved your performance?

ZA: The training is quite expensive—it costs around USD 5,000 per month. So far, I have managed most of it through sponsorships, while my father, a retired army officer, has supported the rest. The facilities, technical expertise, and experience of coach Hobson have significantly elevated my game, allowing me to win five championship titles in Florida.

DS: What made you interested in tennis?

ZA: My father, who was an excellent tennis player, inspired me. Watching him win numerous trophies sparked my passion for the sport. I started my tennis journey at the age of eight at Jashore Cantonment under coach Shariful Islam Tinku from BKSP.

DS: You became champion in various age-level national championships before winning the National Tennis Competition, which was held after a gap of 12 years. How did it feel to be crowned champion at only 17?

ZA: It was an incredible moment, and I feel truly honoured and delighted to receive the support of my family and well-wishers. I also want to thank the Bangladesh Tennis Federation (BTF) for organising the National Competition after such a long gap.

DS: How do Bangladesh's domestic competitions compare to USTA events in Florida?

ZA: There is a lot of room for improvement in our domestic tournaments compared to USTA competitions. We need better training facilities and experienced coaches to bridge the gap.

DS: You have represented Bangladesh in the Davis Cup at both junior and senior levels. What was that experience like and how do Bangladeshi players compare with other countries?

ZA: Wearing the national jersey and representing Bangladesh at the international stage is always an incredible experience. However, our players struggle in areas like stamina, technique, mental game, and match temperament compared to international players.

DS: What is your strongest point, and what areas do you need to improve?

ZA: My strongest point is my mental side. I think I'm mentally strong and confident when I go out in a match no matter who I'm playing. I think that's what makes me less nervous. I need to work on lots of tactical and physical aspects.

DS: Who is your idol in tennis?

ZA: My idol is Novak Djokovic.