Meet Jake Dembo, a 15-year-old Western Australian expertise and one of many youngest athletes at Tennis Australia’s Nationwide Tennis Academy.
Brisbane, Australia , 21 July 2023 | Leigh Rogers
At solely 15 years previous, Jake Dembo already boasts a powerful tennis resume.
The Perth expertise competed within the inaugural 14-and-under boys’ singles competitors at Wimbledon final 12 months, the place he gained three of his 5 matches, and represented Australia within the Junior Davis Cup competitors earlier this 12 months.
Dembo has additionally created historical past within the Tennis West State League, changing into the youngest-ever competitor. At age 13, he broke a file beforehand held by two-time Grand Slam doubles champion Matt Ebden.
He’s presently ranked No.446 within the ITF World Tennis Tour junior boys’ rankings. Amongst 2008-born gamers, he’s the thirteenth highest on the planet.
In our collection profiling Tennis Australia’s Nationwide Tennis Academy athletes, Dembo particulars his future profession ambitions …
How did you get began in tennis?
I’ve been enjoying tennis since I used to be 5. My dad performed a bit and I went to look at him after I was younger. I assumed it regarded fairly cool, so gave it a strive.
What do you take pleasure in most about tennis?
Simply going out and competing. I take pleasure in enjoying matches and travelling to completely different locations.
What has been the spotlight of your tennis journey to date?
Undoubtedly enjoying at Wimbledon (in 2022). It was a 14s occasion and to step on the Wimbledon courts was an ideal expertise.
How did you’re feeling competing at Wimbledon? Nervous? Excited?
I had combined feelings. A little bit of nerves, a bit of pleasure. Principally simply because it’s an honour to step on these courts at such a younger age.
You could have additionally represented Australia within the Junior Davis Cup competitors. What did that imply to you?
I used to be actually excited, it’s at all times nice to play on your nation.
How are you having fun with your time on the Nationwide Tennis Academy?
It’s been actually good. The coaches are all very nice, I’ve been having fun with the coaching and it’s an ideal surroundings to be round.
Was it an enormous choice to go away Perth and transfer to Brisbane to coach on the academy?
Yeah, undoubtedly. It’s clearly fairly far-off, however I feel it’s most likely been the fitting choice for me.
Jake Dembo coaching on the Nationwide Tennis Academy in Brisbane. Image: Tennis Australia
What are your long-term objectives in tennis?
I’d like to be a top-100 participant and play in the entire Grand Slams. My predominant objective is to develop into No.1 on the planet.
Which tennis gamers have most impressed you?
Undoubtedly Rafa (Nadal). I simply love the way in which he competes and simply fights for each level, I feel it’s so good.
Are you able to describe your recreation fashion in a single sentence?
An aggressive counterpuncher.
Who does your recreation fashion most bear a resemblance to?
I’m a smaller participant, so I assume somebody who can also be smaller like David Goffin.
In the event you might steal a stroke from some other participant, what would it not be and why?
Nick Kyrgios’ serve. He can do something with it, he locations it so properly and will get nice pace on it.
How would your loved ones and buddies describe you?
I’m fairly outgoing. Hopefully they’d say I’m enjoyable to be round and particular person.
What do you love to do if you’re not enjoying tennis?
I like my golf. I play quite a lot of golf, just about each week. And I like Xbox too.
What recommendation would you share with different younger gamers desirous to observe their tennis goals?
I assume simply take pleasure in coaching, take pleasure in matches and attempt to have enjoyable each time you step out onto the courtroom.
Guide on-line, play at this time: Go to play.tennis.com.au to get out on courtroom and have some enjoyable!Â
