Hardly a challenge

Although the cheers of a Grand Slam Tournament are unheard on South African soil, the passion for tennis is alive in our community.

Having produced the first African tennis player to win a Grand Slam, the quadriplegic world number two and inspiration to all, Lucas Sithole, the talent Newcastle holds is immense.

One resident determined to cultivate and grow this talent is tennis coach, Nicole Hardy.

Starting to play tennis at the age of nine, Ms Hardy is no stranger to the sport.

“Having attended St Dominic’s Academy I had the opportunity to obtain many achievements. I was the Northern Natal Tennis Captain during my matric year, and I was selected for the KwaZulu-Natal side as well.”

Ms Hardy has made her mark in the provincial tennis community, but is now focusing her attention on developing young tennis players at the Tennis Academy, in partnership with St Dominic’s Academy.

She explained she had first hand experienced the benefits tennis brought into her life, from improving her fitness levels, to allowing her to develop her concentration and co-ordination.

“Young players can aspire to world class heights. We all know how lucrative the professional tennis world can be. Tennis also has many social aspects to it, and allows you to meet many people when you travel and play,” she elaborated.

Miss Hardy clearly has a soft spot for young tennis players, evident in her coaching classes.

She motivates earnestly and concentrates not only developing her players’ skills, but also their love for the game.

“I would advise young players to practise hard and ensure their basics are right, but most of all to have their basics right.”

If your child has a keen eye for sports, and good hand-eye co-ordination, they may just be the next Roger Federer, and Ms Hardy may be the cultivating hand they need to achieve greatness.