Sport
10 May, 2026
Tennis player on the rise
YOUNG tennis player Vanessa Fitzgerald from Cairns reached the final of the under-12 National Clay Court Championships in Canberra.
Vanessa faced a challenging match on clay, going down 2-0 in a recent contest against South Australian opponents.
According to tennis coach Guy Thomas, the match highlighted the difficulties of adapting to the slower, slippery surface.
“On clay, the South Australian girls are drop shotting her … coaches aren’t stupid … having trouble with her feet on the slippery surface,” he said.
Mr Thomas said Vanessa had opportunities early in the match but was unable to convert key points.
“Had 12 or 13 game points in the first set in three games, which she lost … just missing the last shot … that would have made a difference… but the other girl was too good,” he said.
The opposition player had recently returned from Korea with the Australian team, adding to the level of competition Vanessa faced.
Despite the loss, Thomas said Vanessa remained a standout in her age group and would continue to gain valuable experience as she competed at higher levels.
“She is comfortably the best in her age year … still a couple … as proved today … that can beat her in the age year above,” he said.
Mr Thomas confirmed Vanessa would be travelling with Australian teams throughout the year, providing further opportunities to develop her game.
