Grit, determination and the hard work of a young tennis player from Jean de Villiers Tennis Coaching paid off as she came first overall in the Gauteng East U13 Provincial trials.

Katherine Henderson, whose academy is based at the Merrylyn Tennis Club in Edenvale, also received her full provincial/district colours and will be representing Gauteng East at the Inter-Provincial Tournament (IPT) in January.

Katherine, who has been playing tennis for about seven years, shared that what inspired her to start playing was her sister, as well as watching Roland Garros (a French Open tennis event) with family and friends.

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Upon finding out that she came out first, Katherine said she felt happy as she had worked really hard and receiving her colours made her feel like the early mornings of training were worth it. The aspiring tennis player trains five times a week for about two hours.

Katherine is grateful to her family and coach, Jean de Villiers, for their support.

Katherine said she looks up to Carlos Alcaraz because he always enjoys the game.

“I really like how creative he is on the court and his playing style. I also like Elena Rabacana; she has an excellent mindset and has an excellent play style.”

Katherine added that she’d love to become number one in the country and one day play internationally. Looking ahead to the IPT next year, she said, “I’m probably most nervous about letting my team or district down, and I’m most excited about the matches I’m going to play and all the people I’m going to meet.”