Earlier this term, Year 8 student Connor McEvoy travelled to Europe with Tennis Australia to compete in his first International Tour.
Connor is the current number one Queensland under 13 tennis champion and was one of two Queensland players in his age group selected for the Tour.
The team travelled with high-calibre Tennis Australia coaches to Europe and embarked on a four-week long tour in July and August this year. The team competed in three tournaments across three cities in Germany.
Competing for the first time on clay courts and against competitive international players, Connor won over half of his matches played.
‘It was a great opportunity to play against such qualified and skilled players with different playing abilities,’ said Connor.
It wasn’t all about tennis though, with the group stepping outside of the courts and immersing themselves in the German culture.
‘I really enjoyed tasting the different food but I wasn’t a fan of bratwurst. The pretzels were delicious though!’
The Australian team competed against top-tier players from Russia, Switzerland, Romania, and Germany with many new friendships formed and a lifetime of memories made over the month-long tour.
‘They were pretty tough tournaments but I loved the experience and everyone was so supportive and encouraging.’
‘I’ve made some great friends and I’m keeping in touch with new German friends. The Tour was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I will continue to work hard and hopefully be selected again next year.’
There are many upcoming tournaments on home soil that are on the talented athlete’s calendar, including the Hard Court National Competition over the September school holidays where he is the 15th seed.
With idols such as the current number one, Carlos Alcaraz, and fellow Aussie, Alex de Minaur to look up to as well as his passion and undeniable talent for the game, Connor’s dreams of becoming a professional tennis player are fast becoming a reality.