"If I met Roger, I'd pass out!": Federer-inspired Pierluigi Basile brings flair to Challenger Tour

At just 18 years old, Pierluigi Basile is already turning heads on the ATP Challenger Tour. Ranked No. 35 in the ITF Junior Rankings and climbing the ATP ladder with a current ranking of No. 564, the young Italian is making a smooth and promising transition from junior success to the professional circuit. Last month, Basile delivered a breakout performance at the Internazionali di Tennis Città di Perugia | G.I.Ma. Tennis Cup by reaching the semi-finals, his deepest run at that level to date and only his fifth Challenger main draw appearance.

Hailing from Martina Franca, a picturesque town located in the province of Taranto in the Apulia region of southern Italy, Basile picked up a racquet almost as soon as he could walk. “I started playing tennis at the age of two,” he recalls. “My parents used to take me to the local tennis club, and it just became part of my daily life. Later, I’d play with my dad in the garage or with my mom, Teresa, who’s a teacher, in the living room. Tennis quickly became a passion.”

Admiration for Federer

That passion only deepened when a certain Swiss maestro came into the picture. “I grew up watching Roger Federer on TV, and even saw him live in Rome,” Basile says. “When he retired, I was crying. Honestly, I think if I ever meet him, I’d pass out. Tennis hasn’t been the same since. Now I mainly follow the Italian guys, but I miss Roger so much.”

It’s no surprise then that Basile models his game after Federer, including his elegant one-handed backhand, a rarity among the new generation.

My first coach tried to make me play two-handed, but there was no way. Every coach since has questioned it, but I stuck to my guns. It feels natural, more fluent and more relaxed. I wouldn’t change it.

Basile describes his playing style as aggressive, rooted in the confidence of youth. “When I was younger, I’d go for winners on every shot,” he laughs. “Now I’m a bit more measured, but I’m still an attacking player. I like to take the initiative.”

Breakthrough on home soil

His run in Perugia proved he’s not just a raw talent but a player with a growing tactical awareness and maturity. “That week meant a lot. It’s my home tournament, so it felt special,” he says.

Earlier this season, I met Lorenzo Musetti at Roland Garros. He told me to use my forehand more. That advice stuck with me. It helped me to make adjustments and gave me confidence.

Despite his youth, Basile doesn’t seem fazed by the shift from juniors to the professional circuit. “It hasn’t been that hard. Some opponents on the Pro Circuit are actually easier to handle than juniors. I just focus on improving every day. Every match is different; you have to adapt.”

Italian lifestyle

Off the court, Basile is as grounded as they come. He enjoys football with friends, supports Juventus and the Los Angeles Lakers, and likes to unwind with music, card games, and the occasional stint in the kitchen. His go-to recipe? “Pasta Carbonara - definitely my signature dish,” he says with a grin.

As for the future, Basile isn’t in a rush. “I don’t set ranking goals. I just want to establish myself on the Challenger Tour and keep improving. I’m having fun and learning a lot. I think I’m on the right track.”

With his talent, maturity, and Federer-inspired flair, Pierluigi Basile is a name to remember. The journey is just beginning, but the road ahead looks bright.