Meriden Year 8 student Giselle Guillen has won at the 14 and Under Wimbledon Championships Australian Qualifying event in Albury, New South Wales over the January holidays. The top thirty-two players across the nation competed, and Giselle’s win qualifies her to travel to Wimbledon, England to compete in the 14 and Under Wimbledon Competition later this year.
Mr Ross Anton, Meriden Head Tennis Coach, said, “I’m over the moon for Giselle to be given this opportunity to travel, play at Wimbledon and see the best from around the world. Her focus, grit, teamwork and consistency have helped her gain an opportunity to play.”
“Wimbledon is a special place for all tennis players and is a sacred place, especially for all Australian tennis players,” said Mr Anton.
Giselle started playing tennis at three years of age, playing backyard tennis with her dad who encouraged her and helped her fall in love with the sport. To progress to playing at Wimbledon in just ten years is an amazing achievement.
“Meriden has played a big part in my tennis since I started at the beginning of Year 7. All the coaches whether in private sessions or squads have passed on excellent tennis knowledge and have played a major part in not only improving my tennis game and style, but also showing me resilience and persistence in training. They have really encouraged me with motivational words which has made those early morning sessions at 6.30am and tough midday sessions in the heat worthwhile,” said Giselle.
“When I get to Wimbledon, I will do my absolute best and leave everything on court and hopefully I will do well and make Australia and Meriden School proud of my performances and of the way I conduct myself on court,” said Giselle.
Giselle’s goals beyond playing at Wimbledon this year are exciting.
“Of course, I would love to one day win a Grand Slam title at some stage in my career, I hope to be a top-ten player in the world, and be challenging for major tournaments. I’m working and training hard to achieve my dream goals.”
Meriden will be cheering you all the way, Giselle.
