Jahnara Pillay, 13, will be among 40 teenage players who leave on a US tour on Saturday. The Grade 7 Longmarket Girls' School pupil said she was very excited about going to the US.
She was particularly looking forward to playing on the Arthur Ashe tennis court, home of the US Open.
"We will play against really top players from the US, and people will come and watch us. I am going to be very nervous, but I will get used to it and I really hope I win," she said.
The court is among the most renowned in the world where champions such as Pete Sampras, Serena Williams and Andre Agassi have defended their titles.
Pillay, who has represented her country twice before in Egypt, joined the South African Primary Schools' Tennis Team three years ago after a scout spotted her.
She said she admired Roger Federer and Venus Williams because of their stamina and sportsmanship.
She started playing tennis when she was in Grade 2. "I used to be in after-care, so while I waited, I just picked up a racket and decided to play."
Her coach, Karl van Fintel, said: "Jahnara is an extremely motivated player, very confident, and knows that she can achieve her goals."
The organisation's chairman, Noel Adam, said: "The goal is to establish partnerships that will encourage our student athletes to achieve by participating in programmes such as this tour and eventually represent the country at the highest level academically, athletically and as citizens of the world."
To raise funds for the tour, the public can place bids for autographed Roger Federer memorabilia by e-mailing njadams@telkomsa.net.
Loading...
Be the first to comment