Young tennis star Ariella ten Tusscher serves up back-to-back tournament wins
A Redhill School learner Ariella ten Tusscher is already making waves on the tennis court, winning two Tennis South Africa Rainbow Kidz tournaments despite competing against older players.
Seven-year-old Ariella ten Tusscher, a Grade 2 learner at Redhill School, is quickly emerging as a young tennis talent to watch out for, after claiming two impressive tournament victories earlier this year.
One of those tournaments was the Tennis South Africa Rainbow Kidz Green Dot Girls U10 Tournament, held at the German Club. Despite being the youngest player in the competition, she delivered an outstanding performance and secured the title.
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The young player repeated her success at the TSA Rainbow Kidz Green Dot Tournament, held at Hoërskool Linden, competing against older players and finishing at the top of the standings.
Ariella began playing tennis when she was just three years old, and says her natural love for sport helped her develop a passion for the game. “I like playing tennis because I’m good at it and I enjoy winning.”
Moving into the Green Dot division this year marked an important step in her development, after previously competing in Orange Ball tournaments, which are designed for younger players.
@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Ariella Ten Tusscher speaks about her recent wins on March 8, 2026, in Riverclub. Photo: Duduzile Khumalo #Sandton #Tennis ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
Her training schedule is already impressive for someone her age. Ariella practices three times a week with her coach, and often continues practising at home with her brother, hitting balls against the driveway wall to sharpen her skills. Even outside formal training, tennis is rarely far from her mind. According to her mother, Ariella often carries a tennis ball with her and enjoys practising whenever she can.
The young athlete said competing against older players motivates her even more. “They hit the ball harder and it’s more competition.”
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Although winning feels great, Ariella added that the sport has also taught her how to stay positive during tough moments. “When I’m losing, I tell myself I can win the next point.”
Alongside tennis, Ariella also enjoys dancing and cricket, but tennis remains her biggest passion.
Looking ahead, she already has big dreams for the future. “I want to play tennis professionally. I don’t want to stop playing.”
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