URBANA, Ill. – A South African native, Siphosothando Montsi hails from the same country as Illini legend Kevin Anderson. Montsi was a member of the South African Davis Cup team and has been ranked as high as No. 92 in the ITF junior world rankings. On the ITF juniors circuit, Montsi has won six titles (three singles, three doubles), including the 2016 Wanderers Junior ITF and 2016 Gauteng North Junior ITF in South Africa. On the pro circuit, Montsi's highest ranking in the ATP Tour is No. 1192 in singles and No. 1448 in doubles. In 2018, Montsi finished as a singles quarterfinalist at the 2018 Egypt F12 Futures and doubles seminfinalist at the 2018 Zimbabwe F1 Futures.

Montsi has had a strong start to the 2019 season, competing at the MLK Invitational in Atlanta, Ga. At the tournament, Montsi defeated went 2-1 in singles play against No. 12 Georgia and host Georgia Tech. The Illini newcomer is looking to make an immediate impact for the squad during the 2019 dual match season...

Why you chose Illinois?

Because of the great team environment and how involved the coaches are in the development of every player.

What is the top item on your bucket list?

Winning Wimbledon

What is your hidden talent?

Music

What is your dream job?

Pro Tennis Player, Music Artist, and/or Entrepreneur

What is your favorite movie?

Kingsman: The Golden Circle

What is your favorite TV show?

The 100

What is your favorite quote?

"The limits we set become the prison we live in"

What is your favorite song?

"Nowadays" – Lil Skies ft Landon Cube

What is your favorite sports team?

Real Madrid Football Club

What is your favorite tennis memory?

Winning my first ITF junior tournament

What are your pre-match superstitions/rituals?

First, I always tie shoe laces on the left shoe and listen to music.

Who is your favorite tennis player?

Novak Djokovic

If you had the chance to pick the brain of any coach in any sport, who would it be?

Pierre Paganini

What are your favorite activities outside tennis?

Soccer and making and listening to music

What other sports would you play if you were not playing tennis?

I would play soccer

Person I would like to spend the day with?

Nikola Tesla

What do you like most about your hometown?

The Beach and the people.

Who has influenced your athletic career?

My Dad

What was the last book you read?

The Hook of the Con-Artist

What is the last movie you watched that you liked?

The Thinning

Where is one place you want to travel to?

Bali

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