Azra courts success

By Glen Atwell
TENNIS ace Azra Hadzic is proving a real hit in her favourite sport.
The 11-year-old Dandenong Tennis Club member is competing in a grade normally reserved for players much older, but Azra continues to serve up wins week after week.
Spending countless hours per week improving her technique is the secret to success, according to Azra.
“I train a lot, but it’s the only way to really improve my game,” she said.
The grade five student at Chandler Primary School in Keysborough plays in the A Reserve 1 grade of the Waverley and District Tennis Association (WDTA), and has not dropped a set this season to be undefeated in her singles matches.
Considering Azra regularly plays opponents up to 17 years old, her results are impressive.
But the talented hitter said she was lucky to have a good coach guiding her through the ranks.
“My dad coaches me and spends a lot of time on the court helping me develop my game,” she said.
“He knows a lot about tennis and I learn a lot about the game from him.
Azra’s brother Nermin, 17, also plays in the side and is also enjoying an undefeated season.
“Nermin is a great player. I think I would have trouble beating him,” Azra laughed.
With seven years of junior tennis ahead, Azra is poised to perfect her technique while still in the junior ranks of the WDTA, an advantage that yields limitless opportunities.
In addition to her graded tennis competition, Azra is ready to hit the tournament circuit early next year.
“I’m playing my first tournament, the Frankston Junior Classic, in January,” she said.
Playing tournaments in the under-12 age bracket, a season of association tennis against players much older in the A Reserve 1 grade may help Azra across the line.
“It will be different playing against players my own age for a change,” Azra said.
Aspiring to the highest echelons of tennis, Azra hopes to one day be as good as Australian tennis player Alicia Molik, who is ranked 28th in the world.
“I also like Roger Federer and I hope to one day play at the level they do,” Azra said.
The Frankston Junior Classic could very well prove a stepping stone to international glory.