HER competition may have been cut short thanks to inclement weather but in the time she had on court Eglinton’s Grace Schumacher was able to enjoy a Four Nations tennis tournament victory.
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Representing a NSW side in the recent teams event at Sydney, Schumacher was victorious in her sole singles match against her Italian opponent in an epic three set contest.
Schumacher, currently 238th in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) junior world rankings, won her match 7-6, 5-7, 14-12 (ST) to help her NSW side start their tie in strong fashion.
Her teammate failed to win her singles contest but victory in the doubles gave Australia the tie.
Unfortunately that was all that would unfold at the event for Schumacher and her fellow competitors as rain brought play to a stop.
A world ITF, Italian and Australian team contested the tournament alongside the NSW squad.
“I’ve never played a European player before because I mostly play in Asian countries,” Schumacher said.
“It was really close throughout our match. The conditions made it hard because it was windy but it was a really great experience.
“It was a great opportunity because the coach got to sit out on the court with you at the change on ends to talk to you, and I’ve never really had that chance before.”
Schumacher, who turns 18 this Sunday, now turns her attention towards the 2019 ITF calendar, starting with Melbourne Park.
This month will be Schumacher’s one and only attempt at qualifying for an Australian Open juniors main draw and she’s hoping to receive an early birthday present.
“I’ll have to qualify but they’re giving out wildcard and we should know soon who will be getting those,” Schumacher said.
“This is my first year attempting it and also my last year because it’s played up to under 18s.”
Schumacher most recently took part in the Grade 1 Traralgon Junior International where she couldn’t repeat her success against an Italian opponent, beaten by Alice Amendola in straight sets during the opening qualifying round.
The 2018 season gave Schumacher some memorable moments on the ITF circuit and she’s hoping this year delivers more.
She claimed victory in April’s Victorian Junior International, a result which makes up just shy of a third of her total ITF ranking points.
Schumacher also reached the quarter-finals of October’s ITF Junior Grade 4 singles draw in Thailand and was runner-up in August’s Grade B2 Oceania Closed Junior Championships girls doubles.