Bloemfontein tennis player, Philip Henning, believes hard work and determination play a vital role in one’s successes in life.
Henning said this after he was named in an ITF/GSDF Touring team that are competing in a series of junior tournaments during July and August in Europe, also adding that he didn’t see it coming.
"It came as a big surprise, but I’m very grateful and for this amazing opportunity," the Grade 8 pupil from Grey College told Courant.
The team is part of the ITF Development Programme, which is financed by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the Grand Slam Development Fund (GSDF), and will arrive in Paris on Friday, July 4.
They will be taking part in the following tournaments: the BNP Paribas Cup (France) from 7-13 July, the Windmill Cup Carl Gantois (Netherlands) from 14-19 July, the Balle Mimosa (France) from 21-27 July, the Int. Deutsche Tennismeisterschaft U14.Cologne (Germany) from 28 July to 02 August and the Lapperre Young Champions Cup (Belgium) from 4-9 August.
"The great experience is learning. I think for me it’s going to be a great experience playing on a different surface and against other players. I’d say the biggest highlight of my career thus far is this tour. I’m very excited and looking forward to this opportunity."
Henning has a number of tennis achievements under his belt for 2013. He was chosen for both the Southern Free State and Free State tennis teams where he participated in the interprovincial tournament in April.
During the year 2013, Henning participated in numerous National Key-Health tennis tournaments throughout the country. He won both the singles and doubles titles, back-to-back, in five of these National tournaments.
In September 2013, he participated in the South-African Junior National Tournament held in Bloemfontein. He won both the singles and doubles titles and was crowned the SA junior boys 12/u national champion.
He says he would love to play tennis professionally in the future, but admitted hard work and determination will see him through.
The youngster thanked his mentors for unleashing the talent in him, and his parents for the support.
"I need to thank my coaches, Gustav Fichardt and MC Olivier, for all the hard work put in and believing in me. I’m glad all the effort put in paid off," he concluded.
