Jizelle Sibai is amongst three Australian juniors competing within the 14-and-under competitors at Wimbledon 2023.

London, Nice Britain, 14 July 2023 | Leigh Rogers

“I really feel actually honoured and respect it a lot, as a result of I do know it’s a once-in-a-lifetime alternative to play within the 14-and-under occasion,” mentioned the 13-year-old from Sydney.

“I’m hoping I can do nicely and that is simply the beginning of my journey.”

> READ: Ten Australians in motion on day 13 at Wimbledon

Introducing Jizelle Sibai, a rising star of Australian tennis …

How did you get into tennis?

Once I was little, about 5 or 6 years previous, my dad, who at all times cherished taking part in tennis, put me into classes. My older brother performed tennis too, so I adopted in his footsteps.

What do you take pleasure in most about tennis?

I simply love competing. I really feel prefer it brings out the very best in me after I play. I’ve grown up taking part in with quite a lot of my associates and get to journey with them. The journey has been quite a lot of enjoyable. Tennis is simply superb.

What has been the largest spotlight up to now in tennis?

I reckon it was making the finals of the 14-and-under Australian Junior Grasscourt Championships in January. I really feel like that basically impressed me.

Do you take pleasure in competing on grass courts?

I discovered it difficult at the start. However as soon as I discovered my groove, I discovered it suited my sport fashion.

What are you most trying ahead to about competing at Wimbledon?

Simply being there can be thrilling. Wimbledon is such a prestigious occasion. To be attending is so particular, not to mention taking part in as nicely. I’ll be seeing all of the gamers and what the occasion is like, so it’s going to be an incredible expertise.

What are your earliest recollections of Wimbledon?

My earliest recollections are most likely after I was youthful, at all times being impressed by these gamers and now that I do know that I’m going to be taking part in on the identical courts, it simply feels superb.

Who’re the gamers you most seemed as much as?

I’ve at all times been a fan of Roger Federer. There are quite a lot of gamers I take pleasure in watching. Ash Barty is somebody I look as much as and final yr’s Wimbledon champion, Elena Rybakina, as nicely.

What are your long-term objectives in tennis?

I’d actually, actually wish to be competing in all of the junior Grand Slams. I’m too younger to play in the primary occasions, so I’m aiming for the junior Grand Slams after which we’ll go from there.

Have you ever had a lot expertise competing abroad?

I haven’t travelled a lot abroad. Nevertheless, I can be competing in a European tour straight after Wimbledon. I’ve travelled quite a bit in Australia with my tennis.

The place is your favorite place to play in Australia?

Most likely Darwin, as a result of I had my finest outcome there (reaching the semifinals at an ITF J60 match final month).

Jizelle Sibai in motion on the 2023 Australian Groups Championships. Image: Tennis Australia

You latterly helped New South Wales win the 13-and-under ladies’ title on the 2023 Australian Groups Championships. How did you take pleasure in that have?

That can also be one in all my largest highlights. It was nice to have our coaches and team-mates cheering us on. It was an ideal surroundings and expertise. I cherished it.

> READ: Sibai leads New South Wales to victory at Australian Groups Championships

What do you love to do while you’re not taking part in tennis?

I like socialising with associates or spending time round water. It’s good to get tennis out of my head generally, particularly throughout tournaments.

E-book on-line, play in the present day: Go to play.tennis.com.au to get out on courtroom and have some enjoyable!