Sophiatown’s Abner is Gauteng’s U13 tennis champ

Ever since she could remember, Abner Dickson has always loved playing tennis. And today, her love for the sport is finally paying off.

The 12-year-old from Gen. Christiaan de Wet primary school recently won the U13 provincial tennis championships which took place at Ellis Park.

“I felt really good and very happy when I won the tournament. For me it is all about hard work and I believe the harder you train the more you will get out of it,” she said.

She also believes when you have low moments when you play, you shouldn’t give up. “I always tell myself that I am working hard for something better.”

Abner is consistent with her sports. She trains three times a week and sets aside a whopping nine hours for tennis. In doing so, she is also reaping the benefits.

“I got a bursary through tennis to study at Monument Hoërskool which is in Krugersdorp. I am so excited because this shows hard work pays off,” she said.

And yes, this young go-getter is quite confident that her hard work will result in international recognition.

Abner says she is motivated and inspired by her 16-year-old sister Ariel who also enjoys playing tennis. “I draw inspiration from my sister. She motivates me to train even harder and just to be good in tennis, However, I don’t want to become anyone else, I just want to be myself whenever I play.”

She was also among the top 10 pupils in the country who were selected to play in the USA.

“We were sent there by Sports Science Centre, and we played against the State of Louisiana. I lost one game and won two while I was there,” she said.

“I would love to play in the USA more often. When I am done with school I just want to branch more into playing tennis,” she said.