Springs tennis star explores new territory
According to Yelverton, the sport combines features of tennis and volleyball.
Selection Park resident Kyla Yelverton is the number one sand tennis player in South Africa.
This unique sport is a relatively new phenomenon in South Africa, says Yelverton, but is very popular in many European countries.
According to Yelverton, the sport combines features of tennis and volleyball.
“It is played on the same sized beach court as a volley ball court, the net is however lowered.
“The paddles used are made of carbon fibre and the balls used are orange tennis balls, which is the same size as a normal tennis ball, just a bit softer,” says Yelverton.
Yelverton says the scoring is the same as in tennis, with the only difference being sudden death on the deuce point instead of an advantage being played.
“Beach tennis presents the players with many unique challenges,” says Kyla, “such as a player being offered one serve, as opposed to the two offered in tennis, putting more pressure on the server.
“Other challenges include fast movement on the sand, as well as occasionally diving for the ball and being prepared to play longer rallies and being more tactical on the court.”
Yelverton says she was introduce to beach tennis two years ago and has been an avid player ever since.
Also see: Winter league starts at the Selection Park Tennis Club
Her main partner is Helge Jesk, with whom she has won many titles and tournaments.
Together they have won the Gauteng regional play-offs, as well as national play-offs and were then subsequently chosen as the national team to represent South Africa in Moscow, Russia, in July at the ITF World Team Beach Tennis Tournament.
Yelverton says that support from her family and friends means a great deal to her.
“All of our friends who play tennis with us have supported us from the start and have also joined in on the beach tennis fun.
“The support from our families is amazing.
“My parents, Joanne and Noel Yelverton, have especially been my number one fans coming to watch the regional and nationals and being there in moments of victory,” says Yelverton.
Yelverton is also a gifted tennis player and plays for the University of Pretoria, where she is a lecturer as well.
Last year, she was chosen for the University Sports South African Tennis squad and she has also been invited by Tennis South Africa to attend the Wiphold ‘Next Gen’ young women’s camp and tournament in June in Stellenbosch.
Also see: Springs tennis star dreams big
When asked if she sees a future for herself in the sport, Yelverton says: “I most definitely see a future for myself in this sport.
“By being chosen to represent the national team in Russia, I see this as only the beginning.”
Yelverton further says that she is currently ranked 197th in the world, but would like to eventually get to a level of top 100 and then top 50 in the world and start competing in bigger ITF tournaments.
“As I said, this is only the beginning for me and I have only been playing this sport competitively for two years. I am excited to see what the future holds.”
Follow us on our social media platforms:
