This 12 months marked a particular milestone – for the primary time, sisters Joelei and Joella Ioane competed facet by facet on the Australian Groups Championships on the Gold Coast.
Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, 4 July 2025 | Nadia Dimattina
Twelve-year previous Joella Ioane has been taking part in tennis within the Pacific since she was 4, impressed by her older sister.
“It began as simply getting out of the home for enjoyable, however then my sister saved getting picked to go locations and she or he needed to play tennis significantly. So I began taking part in too and it’s been that manner ever since,” Joella stated.
Initially a summer time interest in American Samoa, tennis rapidly grew to become a day by day ardour for the sisters.
“We had been taking part in daily and actually loved it. We had been truly good at it – so we saved going,” Joella added.
This 12 months marked a particular milestone – for the primary time, each sisters competed facet by facet on the Australian Groups Championships on the Gold Coast.
MORE: Australian Groups Championships – shaping Australia’s subsequent crop
Joella performed within the under-11 staff, whereas her sister Joelei represented Pacific Oceania within the under-15 occasion.
“It’s nice having my sister right here. I really like her help and kindness. She is aware of find out how to hold me constructive and I’m grateful that she obtained picked and for the whole lot she does for me,” Joella stated.
Joelei Ioane, proud to be a task mannequin, shared how their bond goes far past the tennis court docket.
“Simply listening to her saying I’m a task mannequin means lots particularly as a result of she doesn’t often present it,” Joelei stated.
“I do know deep down she loves me and appears as much as me. She began taking part in tennis as a result of she noticed me taking part in, and that’s helped us develop nearer as sisters.
“She’s my emotional help. Every time I don’t have household round, she’s the one I name. She’s all the time been there for me – on and off the court docket.”
MORE: Australian Groups Championships – Queensland, NSW win 15/u Wayne Reid Cup
The sisters had been additionally a part of a three-day coaching camp main into the event, delivered in partnership with the Australian Authorities Division of International Affairs and Commerce’s PacificAus Sports activities, to help Pacific Girls and Women in Tennis.
Gamers and 4 coaches from throughout the Pacific participated in this system gaining beneficial expertise to take again to their residence nations.
“We’re proud to ship a tailor-made mentoring program that helps rising gamers and coaches from throughout the Pacific,” stated Vicki Reid, Tennis Australia’s Director of Authorities Relations and Oceania Tennis Federation President.
Colita Hakena returned to Australian Groups Championships for the third time, proudly representing her nation of Papua New Guinea.
“It feels nice to be again on the Gold Coast at KDV. We’re not simply representing ourselves and our households – we’re representing the entire Pacific,” she stated.
“It’s inspiring for different children to see that they’ll come out right here and play nice tennis too.”
Hakena continues to dream large, aiming to raise Pacific Oceania tennis on the worldwide stage.
“I undoubtedly wish to win all my matches and keep on high. I do know that I’m the No.1 in Pacific Oceania, so I’ve to keep up that stage,” she stated.
“Sooner or later I hope to show professional, play in Grand Slams, win a WTA title – and even a Grand Slam. I consider I can do it.”
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