Local tennis ace cracks top 8 spot in Tennis South Africa U14 girls ranking
FAIRLAND – Polia Gizdova wins her second Gauteng tournament and climbs the SA rankings to number eight.
Polia Gizdova (14) has smashed her way to the number eight spot in the Tennis South Africa U14 girls ranking , following her win at the Gauteng Central U16 Mini Tournament.
The Windsor East resident is only in Grade 8 and attends Northcliff High School, but already plays in the school’s 1st team, and trains under Jean de Lange of the Kinetik Tennis Academy at Fairland Tennis Club.
Gizdova’s win at the end of May follows another victory at the Gauteng North Mini Tournament in December. She also aims to build on her ranking when she competes in the Gauteng East Grand Prix which will be held from 16 to 23 June.
“I just love being on the court – there you forget everything else that is going on but just enjoy the tennis,” said the right-hander, who has played since she was nine years old.
Gizdova’s own dreams are to go professional and play tennis for South Africa.
“I have a strong forehand and serve and I want to improve on my footwork, movement around the court and my attacking play.”
Her coach, De Lange, confirmed that with Gizdova’s strong work ethic she can go far.
“Anything is possible for her. She has an amazing work ethic and pushes through the pain. She might have started at a slightly late age but players who work hard often go further than players with just talent,” he said.
Her mother, Borislava, said she is very proud of Gizdova. “She is a very hard worker, not just on the court but in academics too. Sometimes she puts a little too much pressure on herself though,” Borislava said.
