An avid young tennis player of Kariega, who currently is ranked third (U/16) in South Africa and who strives to compete on the International Tennis Federation level, recently won the women’s open singles and doubles in TSA KM Sport Challenge in East London and was interviewed by SuperSport.
This exceptional achievement from Abigayel “Abby” Vosloo (15) was preceded by also winning the U/16 TSA Nelson Mandela Growth Point earlier this year. During December she also won the U/16 TSA Strand Growth Point and was the runner-up in the U/16 Cape Town Growth Point.
“I want to play international tennis and become a professional coach,” said Abby who is coached by top Eastern Cape tennis coach, Nicky Dorfling from Despatch.
During 2022 Abby was selected as one of the U/15 inter-provincial players to be part of the SA Schools Team which visited Wimbledon.
“I started playing tennis at the age of eight and has been the Eastern Cape’s number one female tennis player in my age group since I was nine years old. I had to sacrifice a lot as my dedication towards tennis means that I must decline many social invitations.
“But tennis is what I live, eat, sleep and enjoys most,” said Abby.
She attended Handhaaf Primary School until the end of Grade 6. As her commitment to tennis became too intense, she is currently being home-schooled.
Abby attends coaching five times a week. She last year played league tennis for Despatch Tennis Club and won the women’s singles Despatch Club Champs.
Her mom, Marlene Vosloo said, “Abby is our champion, win or lose. Words cannot express how proud we are of her, her commitment, dedication and endurance are absolutely awesome.
“We can recall tournaments where Abby cried while she was competing due to blisters on her hands but refused to quit. Medical time-outs due to stomach cramps and heat, but she refused to leave the court.”
Abby said her role models are, “Nadal because of his humble personality and always trying his best. And Iga Swiatek, who displays power, accuracy, and poise,” said Abby.
Apart from spending many hours on the tennis court, Abby’s other interests include fitness training, watching tennis and soccer on television and playing Fortnite on Xbox.
