Walking onto the tennis court, a youngster stands and waits in anticipation for the match to begin. There are no teammates to back him up. It is only him and his opponent.
As an individual sport, tennis sees its players develop into independent people who understand the importance of always giving their best.
Two such individuals are Milan Cilliers and Ethan Reineke, both of which have proven to be a formidable force on the tennis court.
On September 14, the two participated in the Northern KwaZulu-Natal (NKZN) Tennis Trials. Participating in the u/15 boys’ division, Milan and Ethan took first and second place respectively.
“I am extremely chuffed and happy with my position,” says Ethan. Milan explains, he is just as happy about his ranking. “We are both very proud of ourselves,” he says.
With the two clinching the coveted top positions in the recent NKZN Tennis Trials, they are now setting their sights on the upcoming KwaZulu-Natal Trials, which will take place in February next year.
“If we make it at the provincial trials, we will then go to the nationals and hopefully make it onto the national team,” says Milan.
As they begin preparing themselves for the provincial trials, both Ethan and Milan view their training sessions as the chance to embrace a sport about which they are passionate about.
“I began playing tennis when I was in Grade 1, back in 2013. What I love about tennis, is the fact that it is a lovely way to release your tension. You put all your energy and focus on the ball. It is a really relaxing sport.”
Milan explains he began playing tennis in 2011 when in Grade 1. “What I enjoy about tennis, is that it isn’t a team sport, so it is just you on the court and you are responsible for what happens. And like Ethan says, tennis is a great way to get rid of frustration and put all your energy into the ball.”
As the two youngsters look at going as far as possible in their tennis careers, they are both to be applauded for their efforts. Well done Ethan Reineke and Milan Cilliers.
