Dreaming of Wimbledon leads Amelia
AT 13, Amelia Johnson dreaming of Wimbledon.
The Year 8 student at Banora Point High School is on the right track to get there.
After winning a series of state titles, the teenager will compete in the national Red Energy Australian Made Foundation Cup in Melbourne during the Australian Open.
“I’m really excited – nervous, but excited,” she said.
With her father David being a former Paralympian, tennis was a natural path for Johnson who has been playing for as long as she can remember.
“I’ve been playing ever since I could,” she said.
Johnson has hopes of becoming is professional and getting a scholarship to play in the US.
“I think that will be a good start,” she said.
While she said the US was hopefully where her future lay, her favourite player was Queensland’s own Ash Barty.
“She’s the comeback queen,” she said.
“She can be down in a game but come back and win.”
David Johnson said he was proud of what his daughter had achieved.
“I’m very proud. She’s very athletic and very determined,” he said.
Johnson is in no doubt that his daughter has what it takes to become a professional tennis player and wants to see her continue.
“She’s got everything a tennis player needs,” he said.
“She trains hard and has some strong weapons including a really big second serve.”
The Foundation Cup gives children 13 years and under from rural and regional Australia the chance to compete nationally during the Australian Open, which many may not be able to do due to cost and travel constraints.
Johnson will represent NSW at the cup, which will be held from January 14-17 at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Centre in Melbourne.