Nominee’s Grand Slam ambitions

A TEENAGE tennis star who aims to play Wimbledon by the time she turns 21 is our latest nominee for Local Sports Stars.

Tennis star Valentina Ivanov is our latest Sports Star nominee. Picture: John Appleyard

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A TEENAGE tennis star who aims to play Wimbledon by the time she turns 21 is our latest nominee for Local Sports Stars.

Valentina Ivanov, 16, from Maroubra, has learnt her trade on her local tennis courts at Snape Park.

She is already travelling the world on the under 18 circuit but has set her sights set on making the big time in just a few years.

Valentina Ivanov first started player aged five. Picture: John Appleyard

“My goal is to get on the pro circuit and be playing the Grand Slams by the time I’m 21,” the under 18s world No. 93 said. “I’d say Wimbledon is my favourite tournament, it’s so iconic.”

Valentina first picked up a racket aged five and has been travelling the world since 11. “It’s not an easy life. It’s lonely at times and I miss home but it’s worth it.

“Plus I get to see the world.”

She hopes to be playing Grand Slams by the time she is 21. Picture: John Appleyard

Valentina has been nominated in the Junior Sports Star Individual category. There are four others: Junior Sports Stars Team, Young Sporting Spirit Individual, Young Sporting Spirit Team and Service to Sport.

Nominate someone now at: localsportsstars.com.au/newslocal

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