Rise of Sonton just the start

FOR Hana Sonton and Zachary Viiala, the allure of contesting the elite Longines Future Tennis Aces tournament in Paris this month is fabulous – but it’s also secondary to a greater goal.

As chuffed as the young Australian pair is to contest the May 31-June 2 round-robin event, both players view it as a priceless opportunity to gauge their progress. And learn.

“Hopefully I can do well, but to get the experience of playing against other kids is exciting – and I get to know where I stand,” Sonton said.

“I’m very, very excited to have this opportunity. I’ve never been to Paris and I’ve not been overseas to compete, so I will hopefully learn a lot.”

Coached by her mother Momoko, Sonton won Tennis Australia’s 12-and-under Showdown title last year – a win that almost certainly attracted the eyes of Longines.

The Gold Coaster will pit her skills against 19 rivals on clay at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.

Perth’s Viiala, the reigning national claycourt champion, is taking a similar approach.