Junior tennis players from the Suva Tennis Association have returned to Fiji enriched with international exposure after a formative 10-day training session at the Yoshida Tennis Training Centre in Japan. This exclusive training program offered a valuable opportunity for these budding athletes to train alongside their Japanese counterparts, enhancing their skills while participating in cultural activities such as tea-making, drumming, and dance. Such experiences were designed to impart a greater sense of focus and discipline—traits essential both on and off the tennis court.
Head coach Sumit Lal has observed substantial changes in the players’ attitudes toward training. “The kids now appreciate that training is not just about hitting balls over the net. They are learning to push themselves to the limit while understanding the objective of each drill and how it benefits them in competitions,” Lal stated.
The Yoshida Tennis Training Centre, renowned for hosting top-tier International Tennis Federation tournaments, provided Fiji’s junior athletes not only with intense training but also an insight into the pathways leading to higher levels of competitive tennis. This exposure dovetails with Fiji’s broader initiatives to develop tennis from the ground up, including local tournaments and developmental programs.
Programs such as the Vodafone Suva Open Tennis Championship have highlighted a growing interest in junior tennis, with more schools and clubs participating. These competitions underscore the potential of young athletes who are being introduced into a structured competitive pathway. Sponsorships and development initiatives further bolster these efforts, ensuring the sport’s growth and sustainability in Fiji.
Experiences at the Yoshida Tennis Training Centre equip young Fijian players with not only enhanced tennis skills but also the confidence and ambition to aspire to compete on larger stages. With ongoing support and encouragement, this new generation of Fijian tennis talent is poised to elevate the nation’s standing in international tennis arenas.