Hannah Crafford (16), a Grade 10 learner at St Dominic’s, was selected to be part of the U19 South African tennis team.
Crafford was chosen after putting on a remarkable performance at the Inter-Provinicial Tennis tournament in Gauteng East Tennis colours.
The U19 South African tennis team will participate in the friendlies in July at Wimbledon in London.
“I was only beaten once in the singles matches of the tournament, and I was competing against the best. The team finished eighth,” said Crafford.
She beat Nina van Eeden, ranked ninth in the SA U16 category, in her penultimate game of the tournament.
“The only player who beat me in the singles tennis category is MariLouise van Zyl, who is ranked third in the U18 category,” explained Crafford, adding that the announcement of making the national side was a big surprise to her.
“It was surreal because most of the players in the SA team are ranked in the top 10, and I’m at 27 in the U16 SA tennis standings.
“However, my performance in the Inter-Provincial tournament was good.”
Having now scooped the opportunity, Crafford is determined to make the most of it.
“I want to do my best. It will be a good experience for me to play against players from other countries because I can sharpen my skills.
“Tennis is a competitive sport, and it needs all your focus. Your mind needs to be in the right state when competing.
“I thank everyone who has supported me on my journey, especially my coach and parents,” she said.
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