Maroubra girls aiming for Wimbledon

THE Americans have the Williams sisters, the Brits the Murray brothers and Australia may soon be laying claim to the Ivanovs.

Tennis star Elizabeth Ivanov at Snape Parks in Maroubra. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

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THE Americans have the Williams sisters, the Brits the Murray brothers and Australia may soon be laying claim to the Ivanovs.

Ten-year-old Elizabeth Ivanov is our second tennis star to be nominated for the Local Sports Star individual award after her sister, Valentina, 16.

Elizabeth Ivanov perfecting her backhand at Snape Parks in Maroubra. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett.

The Maroubra youngster is already playing Australian junior ranking tournaments and is in the top 10 in NSW for her age.

Earlier this year she played in the State Teams Championship at Bathurst. But Elizabeth has her sights set even higher. “Her goal is to play at the Australian Open or Wimbledon by the age of 16,” her mum Oksana said.

Elizabeth is already one of the best players in the state. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett.

“She is dedicated and trains twice a day, five or six days a week. She has seen from her sister how much work she needs to put in and she is ready to go on her own journey.”

Valentina, who was one of our first LSS nominees, is already travelling the world chasing her dreams. She too is aiming for the grand slams. And if all goes to plan she could be playing her sister on the world stage.

She is looking to emulate her older sister, Valentina. Picture: John Appleyard

There are four other LSS award categories: Junior Sports Stars Team, Young Sporting Spirit Individual, Young Sporting Spirit Team and Service to Sport. Nominate at: localsportsstars.com.au/newslocal

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