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 yr, the place he gained three of his 5 matches, and represented Australia within the Junior Davis Cup competitors earlier this yr.
Dembo has additionally created historical past within the Tennis West State League, turning into the youngest-ever competitor. At age 13, he broke a report beforehand held by two-time Grand Slam doubles champion Matt Ebden.
He’s at the moment ranked No.446 within the ITF World Tennis Tour junior boys’ rankings. Amongst 2008-born gamers, he’s the thirteenth highest on the earth.
In our sequence 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 observe him after I was younger. I assumed it appeared fairly cool, so gave it a attempt.
What do you get pleasure from most about tennis?
Simply going out and competing. I get pleasure from enjoying matches and travelling to completely different locations.
What has been the spotlight of your tennis journey to date?
Positively enjoying at Wimbledon (in 2022). It was a 14s occasion and to step on the Wimbledon courts was an important expertise.
How did you’re feeling competing at Wimbledon? Nervous? Excited?
I had combined feelings. A little bit of nerves, a bit of pleasure. Largely simply because it’s an honour to step on these courts at such a younger age.
You’ve got additionally represented Australia within the Junior Davis Cup competitors. What did that imply to you?
I used to be actually excited, it’s all the time 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 important surroundings to be round.
Was it an enormous choice to go away Perth and transfer to Brisbane to coach on the academy?
Yeah, positively. It’s clearly fairly distant, however I believe it’s most likely been the suitable 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 all the Grand Slams. My major aim is to turn into No.1 on the earth.
Which tennis gamers have most impressed you?
Positively Rafa (Nadal). I simply love the way in which he competes and simply fights for each level, I believe it’s so good.
Are you able to describe your recreation model in a single sentence?
An aggressive counterpuncher.
Who does your recreation model most have a resemblance to?
I’m a smaller participant, so I suppose somebody who can be smaller like David Goffin.
When you may steal a stroke from every other participant, what would it not be and why?
Nick Kyrgios’ serve. He can do something with it, he locations it so effectively and will get nice velocity 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 an excellent particular person.
What do you love to do whenever you’re not enjoying tennis?
I like my golf. I play loads 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 suppose simply get pleasure from coaching, get pleasure from matches and attempt to have enjoyable each time you step out onto the courtroom.
Guide on-line, play right this moment: Go to play.tennis.com.au to get out on courtroom and have some enjoyable!