MEL Legend recently won an Australian Tennis Championship at a tournament in Shepparton.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Her victory in the young senior's division saw her rewarded with prizes and a massive jump in the rankings, she is now ranked 1st in the country in her age bracket, and 27th in the world.
“It was my new year's resolution to be ranked no.1 in Australia in my age bracket, we are not that far into the new year and I've already achieved it, it’s a really good feeling, Ms Legend said.
“I was awarded a medal, a cash prize and most importantly bragging rights.”
Competing in six tough rounds over a week-long tournament, Mel felled each opponent in staggering temperatures, but the rising tennis star had an advantage that she believes helped secure the win.
“There was one 46 degree day, and two 44 degree days, in the end, my fitness and the heat got me through. It ended up being my advantage really; I've lived in Darwin and other places with extreme weather, I thrive in it, she said.
“They were all still tough matches though; all my opponents played really solid games.”
After an early knockout ended her championship aspirations last year, Mel came back stronger and more determined than ever, and with a little help, she achieved her goal this time.
“This time I worked harder and trained more, I spent 2-3 hours a day training after work, and my day job at Local Liquor Supplies keeps me moving around and strong.”
“I had a lot of people helping me along the way, Peter Bush and Local Liquor Supplies sponsored me, paid for my flights, he also gave me days off to travel.
“My coaches Tony Polack, who won coach of the year late last year, and Eli Baylis at Sawtell. The England Park tennis club in Coffs Harbour and Sawtell tennis club let me play on their grounds, I’m really thankful to all of them.”
With her goal for the year already achieved, Nambucca’s newest tennis star is looking at other tournaments to test her skills.
“I’m hoping to go to the Young Seniors world championships in Miami USA later this year, and I’ll be looking at more tournaments throughout the year, I want to compete in some good tough tournaments,” Ms Legend said.
Aside from winning the singles championship, she also competed in the doubles with friend Vannessa Kovac where the dynamic duo nearly took out the top prize.
“We were runners up, but we both had fun with it.”
“She’s great; I like playing with Vannessa, even when we compete against each other it’s good, we just muck around and coach each other a bit. We will definitely be teaming up again.”
