The forthcoming under 16s tournament at the December Showdown in Melbourne could prove a huge step in the young career of Forster tennis player Laia Pasini.
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Laia is one of 32 top young female prospects from across Australia who will compete in the tournament between December 12 and 16.
If all goes to plan and Laia wins the singles tournament, she’ll receive a main draw wildcard entry to the Junior Australian Open in late January.
“I’ll be super excited if I get a really good draw and just do the best that I can,” Laia said.
“If I end up winning, it would be unreal.”
With her superb Australian ranking of 12, Laia earned direct acceptance into the tournament.
While the top 16 ranked players earned direct acceptance, the remaining players entered through winning qualifiers and wildcards.
The tournament will showcase the best junior tennis players in Australia.
“I know most of the girls,” Laia said.
“We normally play the same tournaments against each other.”
A requirement of each player is to also compete in the doubles tournament.
Laia will team up with Victoria’s Olivia Simmons.
“I’ve played against her before and she’s a lovely girl.” Laia said.
Wins or loses aside, Laia will take to the court for one singles and one doubles match per day.
All of Laia’s opponents will have to be wary of her wicked drive volleys.
“I like moving forward on the court and being aggressive,” Laia said.
“I love hitting those big shots, getting a couple of good winners.”
To follow her progress at the event, visit www.tennis.com.au and search ‘December Showdown’.
It’s been a very busy year for the 16-year-old.
Laia has taken part in several tournaments including open women’s International Tennis Federation (ITF) events in Queensland and the 2018 NSW Country championships at her home courts of Forster Tennis Club.
She tasted success at an event in Ulladulla where she won the open women’s doubles gold title with Sydney’s Kaley Eddy.
More recently, Laia made the open women’s doubles gold final of an event in Parramatta.
She went down 10-8 in a super tiebreaker.
“It was so close, two more points and it would’ve gone my way,” she laughed.
In 2019, Laia is hopeful of qualifying for the under 18s December Showdown event on top of competing in more ITF open and junior events.
Laia is currently ranked 107 in Australia in the open women’s division.
