Cashing in on rich tennis genes
Having big-serving giant Kevin Anderson as a cousin has its advantages.
Aside from receiving a potential genetic advantage, youth prospect Katie Franck is capitalising on her family ties to the country’s top-ranked tennis player in more ways than one. While her cousin, big-serving giant Kevin Anderson, is based in the United States, he links up with his extended family when he returns home for visits.
And by taking advantage of the close proximity she has with Anderson when he is in South Africa, Franck has been able to learn a bit from his technique by knocking a ball around with the twotime Grand Slam finalist.
“When Kev was last out in South Africa, he was practising his serve and let me return a few,” Franck says.
“I’m glad to say that I managed to hit a few serves back to him.”
Though Franck has not had the opportunity to rake in many trophies, at an age when she is still fine-tuning the basics of the sport, the grade six pupil has already displayed her potential.
Earlier this year she represented St Mary’s School in the inaugural RCS BNP Paribas Rising Stars National Primary Schools Championship.
The national championships also formed part of the wider Rising Stars development initiative, which was aimed at increasing youth participation in tennis and providing more access to the sport across the country.
On his most recent return home, former world No 5 Anderson was unveiled as the ambassador for the project, and Franck was delighted to be involved.
“I am really, really enjoying the extra competition,” she says.
“It was great to play children from the Arthur Ashe Academy (based in Soweto).”
Since receiving her first tennis racquet from her grandmother at the age of five, Franck has been able to work regularly on her technique by practising on a court at home.
“I like that it’s an individual sport and you are totally responsible for yourself,” she says.
“That is why I prefer singles to doubles.”
When she first started playing, Franck was coached by Eric van Eck, who also coached Anderson in his youth.
Ensuring a solid foundation is being laid for her growth as a player, she has also received some guidance from her uncle, Mike Anderson.
Though she is aware that a long road lies ahead if she hopes to emulate the achievements of her cousin, Franck is receiving sufficient opportunities in her youth to chase similar dreams when she is older.
Eager to work on her game, she hopes to establish herself on the domestic junior circuit over the next few years.
And if all goes well, one day she could follow Anderson’s footsteps by contesting trophies at some of the world’s most prestigious tournaments.
“I don’t think I’ll get to Wimbledon in the next three years, but I think I could spend more time on the court,” Franck said. “Kevin’s dad said I have potential but it requires dedication.”