The current Tennis Europe top 10 player has come a long way from his beautiful island home of Cyprus. Training across Europe and competing from a young age has taken him to may tournaments, including an invitation to this year’s Wimbledon 14&U event. Anastasis Mosaikos has picked up plenty of experience on the Junior Tour, including a win in singles and doubles at last year’s Small States Championships. The Nicosia native is a strong contender for a spot at this year’s Junior Masters with strong results at Category 1 events so far this year: Belgium, Subotica, Avvenire (SF); Open Stade Français, Dr Oetker Trophy Bucharest, Raynes Park, Avvenire (QF); and falling in the semis at the European Junior Championships in July to eventual gold medalist and Wimbledon 14&U Champ.
How did you first get into tennis?
My dad and my whole family have been involved in tennis for a long time. My dad has his own tennis club in Cyprus, so I started playing when I was about five or six, mainly as a hobby. When I was around nine or ten, I started getting some good results and thought, “I can do this!”
When did you first hear about Tennis Europe?
From my dad when I was under 12.
Did you always want to travel and play tournaments around Europe?
I just went with the flow. When I started getting better results, I began travelling more outside Cyprus.
You made it to the semifinals at the European Junior Championships, which moved you closer to the Top 8 in the Race to Monte-Carlo. Is that a goal?
Definitely. Monte-Carlo is a big goal for me.
When did you first hear about the Monte-Carlo tournament?
About two years ago. I saw it and thought, “Is this an ATP tournament, or is it an Under-14 tournament?” Then I looked into it and realised it was part of the Tennis Europe Race.
You’re often away from home for several weeks. How is that?
Pretty tough and tiring. I’ve been to Wimbledon, Paris, Most, and I’ve also had about a week and a half of practice in Athens.
Are there any professional players you really look up to?
Carlos Alcaraz.
What do you particularly admire about his game?
His aggressiveness on court, his elegance and his dropshot.
Are there any female players you follow or admire?
I don’t watch as much women’s tennis, but maybe rising stars like Andreeva and Noskova. They were both very successful on the Junior Tour and won a lot of tournaments.
What’s the tennis scene like in Cyprus?
It’s growing, with more players and academies. The weather can be difficult because it’s very hot in the summer. Some people who play just as a hobby stop during the summer and start again in the winter. But those who take tennis seriously train as much as they can.
Do players sometimes travel elsewhere in Europe because of the heat?
Yes, that’s a choice some players make.
How important is having someone like Marcos Baghdatis as a reference for young tennis players in Cyprus?
It’s very important. He’s the biggest name in tennis history in Cyprus. For a lot of players who want to go far, the goal is to surpass him.
You spent a lot of time on the road and we noticed that you are studying with Tennis Europe’s partner for online schooling, MVA?
In January last year, I moved to Minerva, and it’s been a great experience. They help me with homework and exams, and there’s a lot of flexibility and there is no punishment if occasionally you submit something late! It’s really helped me combine school with tennis.
How did you discover Minerva?
When I started travelling a lot outside Cyprus, I realised it was difficult to study and take exams at the same time. So, we looked into online schools and found Minerva through Tennis Europe.
Would you recommend it to other young athletes?
100%. Not only for tennis players, but for athletes in other sports too.
Plus, the qualifications (GCSEs or equivalent) will be recognised in your home country.
Yes, that too!
Being a young player means spending a lot of time away from your family and friends. How do you deal with that?
It’s not easy. You miss them sometimes. I have a little sister who’s 10, and it’s hard being away from her. But you also make new friends on the tour, and it becomes like having another family in another place.
Who are you closest to on the Junior Tour?
Enzo Brito, Luis Saraiva, Kan Ahic and Alexander Borisov. There are others too…
What was your initial reaction to being selected for the Tennis Europe touring team?
I was selected when I was in Milano and I thought it would be a really good experience to meet new players, get to know different coaches and hopefully learn new things.
In the end, what was it like?
It was amazing, mostly because I felt really at ease with everyone. I was also with people I consider to be my friends, which is an added bonus. We also had great coaches who were really fun to be with.
Describe your experience.
It was truly unique, because everyone was really competitive - in a good way that made everyone keep boosting and motivating each other. We also had a lot of down-time, just hanging out mostly playing ping-pong and board games or sometimes even cards.
What are your take-aways from this experience?
Well, it has benefited me both physically and mentally - in an intense way and a relaxing way. On one hand, the coaches kept pushing everyone to give 100% all the time in matches and in practice, so you use a lot of mental and physical energy. But on the other hand, I had such a great time with everyone that I was also able to disconnect and rest.
Would you recommend it to anyone?
Absolutely! Honestly, once it’s over, you really miss it!
What are your short-term goals for 2027-2029?
I want to win J100 and J200 tournaments and keep climbing the rankings.
And what’s the ultimate dream?
To win Grand Slams and become world No. 1.
Finally, what would you say to a young person who wants to start tennis or pursue a career in sport?
Believe in chasing your dreams. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Once you start listening to negative thoughts, it’s game over.