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Rising star

29 Apr, 2009 11:30 PM
At just 13 years of age, local girl Tk Maidza (short for Takudzwa) recently won the Jamestown Easter Tournament in three divisions, in one instance competing in three games against rivals over 20 years of age.

Tk won the 16 and under (singles), 14 and under (singles) and women's handicap (singles), the latter saw her awarded the Women's Plate trophy.

And on March 1 this year, Tk won the Port Lincoln 16 and under (singles), 14 and under (singles) and came runner-up in the 13 and under (singles).

The 16 and under (singles) win saw Tk awarded with a Perpetual Trophy.

Only two weeks prior to her Port Lincoln matches, Tk also won two singles divisions in the Whyalla Juniors.

Her wins were in the 16 and under, and 14 and under (singles) divisions, as well as the 16 and under (doubles) with partner Tayla Anninos.

"I've played with Tayla before, and we do well together as a team," she said.

Prominent local coach Danie Jacobs was approached by Tk for extra training almost one year ago.

Tk has also been coached by local Adam Olsen and has support from the Whyalla Tennis Association.

"She started playing tennis in Kalgoorlie through 'Hot Shots', which is a 'Be Active' sports initiative that coaches kids," said Tk's mother, Jenet Hwende.

"Then I started playing competitively when I was about 10," said Tk.

"That was after she was picked for a week-long talent development camp in Perth," added Ms Hwende.

Tk said she enjoyed the chance to play on different surfaces.

"I liked playing on different surfaces during the camp, as well as having the chance to play at the Burswood Dome (the State tennis courts in WA)," she said.

"I think Serena Williams is one of the best tennis players at the moment, and I enjoy watching her play, as well as Anna Ivanovic and Andy Murray.

"Junior tennis is up to the age of 16...but after that you should be ready or preparing to be ready for the Women's Tournaments."

Also competing in Regional State Tennis in 2006, Tk travelled to Adelaide after she was selected to play in a regional tournament.

Tk represented the Whyalla, Port Pirie, Port Augusta and Port Lincoln region, playing in a 'round robin' system where she won her first game.

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"I lost the games after that, but it was my first grass court experience," she said.

Her mother explains that Tk has a natural big serve, even compared to children her age who have received extensive training.

"Whenever she plays we try to watch her games," Ms Hwende said.

"I didn't think too much of it (her skills) before, but at the Jamestown games (grass) she played so well against seasoned players that I was really very impressed.

"The coaching she's had with Danie has helped a lot, as Tk had the big forehand and serve, but needed some direction."

Tk said she has strong ambitions for her game.

"I want to make the top five worldwide, by training hard and hopefully being in the right place at the right time," she said.

Ms Hwende said she would support her daughter all the way.

"We are very supportive of Tk, and we can see that she has the potential to go through the matches, hopefully get her ranking up and get more exposure to do what she loves doing," she said.

"We try to get Tk to compete against other kids outside of Whyalla so she can widen her scope and thus avoid potentially creating some complacency on her part.

"We aren't sure exactly when the next matches will be, but we find out beforehand and look forward to upcoming competitions."

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Local Whyalla tennis player Takudzwa Maidza, 13, with her Women's Plate trophy from a win in the women's singles handicap at the recent Jamestown competition.
Local Whyalla tennis player Takudzwa Maidza, 13, with her Women's Plate trophy from a win in the women's singles handicap at the recent Jamestown competition.

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