Local sports star Andre’s set his sights on tennis stardom

Andre De Oliviera from West Hoxton has set his sights on tennis stardom at the highest level. He’s this week’s Liverpool Leader Local Sports Star

Andre Oliveira is a student at Cecil Hills High School and a star tennis player. He is this week's Liverpool Leader Local Sports Star nominee. Picture: Ian Svegovic

He dominates his competitions year after year, and now West Hoxton tennis player Andre De Oliveira has his sights set on the professional tennis circuit.

The 16-year-old Cecil Hills High School student is a gold medal winner in the open boys tennis singles competition at the NSW Combined High Schools level. He also came fifth at the NSW All Schools Tennis Championships in Bathurst this month, and was selected for the NSW Pizzey Cup team.

This week’s Liverpool Leader Local Sports Star Andre Oliveira is aiming for professional tennis success. Picture: Ian Svegovic

“This is my second year competing in the Pizzey Cup,” Andre said. “I was the most experienced player there so it was nice to be recognised in that competition.”

The rising star has been playing tennis since he was just eight years old. He spends several days each week in training.

“At the moment, trying to juggle school and training takes a bit of effort,” Andre said.

“But it’s what I have to do, so I just make it work.’’

For Andre, his beloved sport is also an enjoyable social affair.

“I love seeing my friends out there playing tennis together,” Andre said. “The competition itself is really friendly — it’s a good atmosphere.”

He is making an impact on the school tennis circuit, but Andre is dreaming of the day he might play tennis at a professional level.

“I would love to play professional tennis at the ATP tournament level,” Andre said. “That’s what I would like to achieve — to be able to say that I’ve made it at this level.”

Andre also had some advice for other young tennis players trying to make it at a competitive level.

“Just keep going to training sessions — that’s what really matters,” Andre said. “My dad always says ‘What you do on the court during training sessions is what you do in the match.”

Andre is this week’s Local Sports Stars nominee in the Junior Sports Star category.

Sponsored by Rebel Sport and Clubs NSW the Local Sports Stars competition celebrates young sports stars all around the country, with prizes awarded at local, state and national levels. If you know a talented sportsperson aged 18 or under who deserves to be celebrated for their achievements, go to the website at localsportsstar.com.au