Just last month, for a second successive year Kariega teen, Abigayel Vosloo (16) won the Women’s Open singles and doubles in the Tennis South Africa KM Sport Challenge held in Gqeberha.
“Abby” as her mother, Marlene Vosloo affectionately calls her, has taken a major step forward in achieving her dream to become an international tennis player. In May 2023, she joined the EPQ High Performance International Tennis Academy in Potchefstroom, where she is coached by the seasoned tennis player, Jeanna Schmidt.
Marlene said, “Since attending the academy, my daughter’s international ranking has climbed from in the 2000ths in the world to the 400ths. She attributes these amazing achievements down to her hard work, commitment and the extra skills and guidance learned at the academy,” the proud mom said.
The teen has also taken part in international tournaments hosted by the International Tennis Federation in Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Potchefstroom and Durban. She has also travelled beyond the borders of South Africa to take part in tournaments held in Botswana and Zimbabwe.
For Abigayel and many others like her, tennis is a lonely sport. Marlene said when you go on to that court, it’s just you and your opponent. Mentally a player must try to be strong against players that have bad manners and try to upset you in the game.
“Abby had to make a lot of sacrifices from an early age, missing birthday parties, social gatherings etc. On her 16th birthday she was alone in Botswana, and she told me she sang Happy Birthday to herself,” the mother said.
“As a mother, I miss my child because she’s gone a lot of the times, but I am very proud of her endurance and want to support her dream to be a professional tennis player,” she admitted. Owing to the nature of her career in sports, Abigayel is home-schooled, and when she is not on the tennis court, she can be found catching up with her school work online.
The more International tournaments Abigayel takes part in, the higher she can climb up in international rankings. For her to achieve this goal, she must take part in tournaments held abroad.
“Unfortunately Abby is not able to take part in some tournaments owing to financial constraints. She does not have the funds to pay for travelling and accommodation. Effectively this young rising star, who has great potential, will struggle to reach the heights she could have, without sponsors. Tennis is a very expensive sport. To play overseas is a big problem. Travelling, accommodation, food and entering competitions cost money. She plays ITF mostly in South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe, but to improve her ranking she needs to enter tournaments overseas too. In a previous ITF she played doubles with a German girl, and they were the runners- up in the finals. The competition for juniors is tough because Abby plays overseas contestants too. They have the money to travel to South Africa with their coach and do the tournaments here. I’m pleading with any potential sponsors to please help my daughter make her dreams come true,” Marlene concluded.
To become a sponsor, email Marlene at marlene159vosloo@gmail.com.
