Self belief makes all the difference to Rochedale-raised Federation Cup tennis player Priscilla Hon

Last May while the world watched Queensland home grown hero Ash Barty win the French Open, another young local tennis star on the cusp of representing at Federation Cup was achieving her own milestone at the same tournament – called self belief.

Last May while the world was watching Queensland home grown hero Ash Barty win the French Open, another young Brisbane tennis player was achieving her own milestone at the same tournament – called self belief.

Federation Cup selection Priscilla Hon, the 22-year-old Rochedale raised tennis player, had claimed a first round French Open win and then taken US star Madison Keys to three sets before losing in round two.

But Hon still felt like a winner.

Lizette Cabrera’s tennis career on the move at the national academy.

While Barty may have won the French Open title, Hon had won the battle of the mind games.

“I think last year at the French Open is when I properly started believing that I can beat these girls,’’ she said.

Priscilla Hon on her first day back at training as Covid-19 restrictions are eased earlier in the week. Photo Lachie Millard

After the French Open, Hon worked her way toward a career high singles rating and then made the Federation Cup team alongside icons Barty and Sam Stosur in Australia’s stoush with France in Perth.

Queensland tennis young gun Kaylah McPhee making progress

What a euphoric occasion it was as Hon established a firm foothold in her tennis career after being in the doldrums around four years ago.

Priscilla Hon serves. Photo Lachie Millard

“When I was 17-18 I was not sure if I would continue playing. I went through a period where I did not enjoy tennis at all,’’ the Citipointe Christian College past student said.

“I was not winning and I was very, very low on confidence.

“I was not sure what to do.

“I got a new coach, Brett (Hunter). He was really positive and he worked on me for a couple of years and I finally got back to believing in myself.’’

Then came the French Open break through in 2019.

Priscilla Hon on her first day back at training as Covid-19 restrictions are eased. Photo Lachie Millard

“For the first year and a half on the WTA tour, it was more like I was happy to just be there, but at the same time didn’t really believe I could beat all of them,’’ said Hon, who now lives a couple of decent shots away from the Queensland Tennis Centre at Tennyson.

Hon rated selection in the 2020 Federation Cup team as her career highlight, and now she strives to continue the upward curve.

“It (career ranking low 100s) is going up, but not as fast as I want it to.

“Mentally I am progressing and believing in myself more.

“I think a lot of us struggle to believe in ourselves a little bit and it takes a few years of experience to get that up there.

“There are a lot of people who say you just have to believe in yourself. You get that feedback a lot.

“Being on tour and losing … there are weeks when you don’t win a match but they (those times) do make you stronger down the track.’’

An insight into Ash Barty’s junior court, the time honoured West Brisbane Tennis Centre

Ultimately, Hon is living her dream.

As a 12 and 13 year old she won some age group national titles.

“That is when I got noticed (she was a good player). I was just playing because I enjoyed it, but it was always a dream to do it as a job and be a professional player.’’