Connor Doig has taken another step along the path to becoming a professional tennis player.
The 13-year-old Bryanston ace, who is currently ranked 12th in South Africa in his age group, beat his friend, Daniel Calver, in the U14 final at the Wilson Challenge in Benoni.
He hopes good results in the next few tournaments will help him qualify for Masters, which is a tournament for the top 14 players in each age group.
“I did represent my country in Grade 7 last year,” smiled the youngster in-between strokes during training at Next Generation Tennis Club at Sandton Sports Club.
“I went to the US Open. I didn’t play there but I played against a New Orleans team there and I would like to play for my country more, hopefully soon.”
More wins like the Wilson Challenge and Connor will improve his ranking as well as his chances to make the South African team.
Connor’s coach, Ndu Ncube, has trained the youngster since he first picked up a racket 10 years ago.
“It’s been a roller coaster ride teaching Connor since he was three years old and he would misbehave,” Ncube recalled.
“Now Connor has strength of mind, he is resilient and sharp, he plays through the tough situations.”
Ncube explained that when tournaments are happening just about every weekend, which they are now, he helps Connor practise specific plays he can use in matches.
When it is the off-season, the pair work more on perfecting technique than tactics.
Details: Next Generation Tennis ndu@nextgenerationtennis.co.za; 079 828 9624.
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