Emily Ryan from Brisbane Girls Grammar School wins Queensland Secondary Schools tennis championship

Meet Paddington’s Emily Ryan, the Brisbane Girls Grammar School student who recently rose to a “milestone win’’ when crowned Queensland Secondary Schools (years 13-19) champion.

Meet Paddington’s Emily Ryan, the Brisbane Girls Grammar School student who recently rose to a “milestone win’’ when crowned Queensland Secondary Schools (years 13-19) champion.

Her performance earned the 14-year-old selection in the Queensland team which was to have contested the nationals during May – prior to the health crisis.

Ryan’s Metro North Team also won the teams’ championships at the state titles.

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Ryan did not enter the event as favourite but she did have confidence in her ability and lead-up form. “I certainly wasn’t the favourite to win the title but I was confident that I was playing well and I had some good results leading into the championships,’’ she said.

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School student Emily Ryan and coach Annabel.

“I won the 16 and under Queensland junior clay court title on the Gold Coast the weekend before I left for Rockhampton, so I knew I was on track to be a strong contender.’’

Ryan said the manner in which she had to fight to beat older girls at the championships made the win the most satisfying of her career.

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“I think this was a milestone career win for me because it was not limited to my age group and I had to fight hard to beat older girls from all around the state,’’ she said.

Brisbane Girls Grammar School student Emily Ryan.

Ryan was raised around a tennis environment, with her three older siblings playing the sport.

“My brothers and sister always had lessons when they were young and I would have sit and watch.

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“I couldn’t wait until I was old enough to be allowed to join them and was so excited when my mum asked the coach if he could throw a few balls to me at the end of a lesson one day.

“I have always loved the physical skill and strategy of tennis and the fact that it is a real battle out there on the court.

“I also love the traditions of the game and its history, and I think it’s a great sport to play and to watch.’’