Jizelle Sibai embracing “once-in-a-lifetime alternative” at Wimbledon | 14 July, 2023 | All Information | Information and Options | Information and Occasions

London, Nice Britain, 14 July 2023 | Leigh Rogers

Jizelle Sibai is one in all three Australians contesting the 14-and-under competitors on the All England Membership this yr.

“I really feel actually honoured and recognize it a lot, as a result of I do know it’s a once-in-a-lifetime alternative to play within the 14-and-under occasion,” stated the 13-year-old from Sydney.

“I’m hoping I can do properly and that is simply the beginning of my journey.”

> READ: Ten Australians in motion on day 13 at Wimbledon

Introducing Jizelle Sibai, a rising star of Australian tennis …

How did you get into tennis?

Once I was little, about 5 or 6 years outdated, my dad, who at all times liked taking part in tennis, put me into classes. My older brother performed tennis too, so I adopted in his footsteps.

What do you get pleasure from most about tennis?

I simply love competing. I really feel prefer it brings out the very best in me once I play. I’ve grown up taking part in with a whole lot of my associates and get to journey with them. The journey has been a whole lot of enjoyable. Tennis is simply wonderful.

What has been the largest spotlight to this point in tennis?

I reckon it was making the finals of the 14-and-under Australian Junior Grasscourt Championships in January. I really feel like that actually impressed me.

Do you get pleasure from competing on grass courts?

I discovered it difficult originally. However as soon as I discovered my groove, I discovered it suited my sport model.

What are you most wanting ahead to about competing at Wimbledon?

Simply being there will likely be thrilling. Wimbledon is such a prestigious occasion. To be attending is so particular, not to mention taking part in as properly. I’ll be seeing all of the gamers and what the occasion is like, so it’s going to be an incredible expertise.

What are your earliest recollections of Wimbledon?

My earliest recollections are most likely once I was youthful, at all times being impressed by these gamers and now that I do know that I’m going to be taking part in on the identical courts, it simply feels wonderful.

Who’re the gamers you most regarded as much as?

I’ve at all times been a fan of Roger Federer. There are a whole lot of gamers I get pleasure from watching. Ash Barty is somebody I look as much as and final yr’s Wimbledon champion, Elena Rybakina, as properly.

What are your long-term targets in tennis?

I’d actually, actually prefer to be competing in all of the junior Grand Slams. I’m too younger to play in the primary occasions, so I’m aiming for the junior Grand Slams after which we’ll go from there.

Have you ever had a lot expertise competing abroad?

I haven’t travelled a lot abroad. Nevertheless, I will likely be competing in a European tour straight after Wimbledon. I’ve travelled so much in Australia with my tennis.

The place is your favorite place to play in Australia?

In all probability Darwin, as a result of I had my finest end result there (reaching the semifinals at an ITF J60 match final month).

You lately helped New South Wales win the 13-and-under ladies’ title on the 2023 Australian Groups Championships. How did you get pleasure from that have?

That can also be one in all my greatest highlights. It was nice to have our coaches and team-mates cheering us on. It was an incredible setting and expertise. I liked it.

> READ: Sibai leads New South Wales to victory at Australian Groups Championships

What do you love to do while you’re not taking part in tennis?

I like socialising with associates or spending time round water. It’s good to get tennis out of my head typically, particularly throughout tournaments.

E book on-line, play at the moment: Go to play.tennis.com.au to get out on court docket and have some enjoyable!