GLENASHLEY resident, Yenzo Dladla recently won the U10 title at the Coca Cola Junior Tournament held at the West Ridge Park Tennis Stadium. What’s more, she became the only KZN player to win a title at the inter-provincial tournament. The Virginia Preparatory School pupil won five out of her six matches and is a member of the Glenashley Tennis Club.
“It was my first inter-provincial tournament so I was really nervous. I didn’t want to lose or disappoint my coach or my dad, so there was a little bit of pressure. But as the games went on I gained more and more confidence. I was so happy when I was announced as the winner, I’ve won a few tournaments held at the club but never this big. My heart was beating when they gave a gift voucher because I was so proud,” the nine-year-old said.
Yenzo practices five days a week and says her favourite player is Serena Williams.
“My hope is to one day represent South Africa on a world stage, especially the Olympics. That’s a goal I’m working towards. I’d also like to emulate the successes of my tennis hero, Serena Williams. To be successful in this sport, you need to be determined, practice every day and be one hundred per cent focused. It’s also important to have good support structures. My dad and my coach, Howard Saul, have been behind me all the way, always encouraging me,” she said.
