FOLLOWING in Ash Barty\u2019s footsteps doesn\u2019t daunt Zoe Hives.<\/p>\n
Hives is a recipient of a Women\u2019s Tennis Foundation scholarship, just like Barty \u2013 who\u2019s current the number 1 ranked women\u2019s tennis player in the world, was when starting out on her tennis journey.<\/p>\n
She said receiving the Women\u2019s Tennis Foundation Scholarship again this year meant a lot to her.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot only does the financial support help with travel, having the foundation\u2019s belief and support behind me gives me confidence in where I\u2019m going,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s been a big year for Hives who won her first WTA doubles title in Bogota, Columbia as well as qualifying for the first time at Wimbledon and US Open.<\/p>\n
To cap it off she was a singles finalist in Kentucky, USA.<\/p>\n
Over the past two years Hives\u2019 ranking has climbed from 380 to 140 in the singles and to 167 in the doubles.<\/p>\n
The Women\u2019s Tennis Foundation exists to support and promote women\u2019s tennis in Australia.<\/p>\n
Brigette McGuire, the foundation\u2019s President, said the scholarship program which comes under the Australian Sports Foundation is supported by donations from tennis followers to assist players achieve their potential.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know that the cost of being a professional tennis player is out of the reach of many Australians,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWithout doubt the talent is there, we want to ensure that our emerging players do not drop out of tennis simply because their families can\u2019t afford the investment required.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hives, 23, was seven years old when she first played competition tennis. She is now a professional full-time player.<\/p>\n
Hives said while tennis is such an individual sport, having the scholarship is invaluable.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is great to have the support of a group of people that I feel are on the journey with me,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
FOLLOWING in Ash Barty\u2019s footsteps doesn\u2019t daunt Zoe Hives. Hives is a recipient of a Women\u2019s Tennis Foundation scholarship, just like Barty \u2013 who\u2019s current the number 1 ranked women\u2019s tennis player in the world, was when starting out on her tennis journey. She said receiving the Women\u2019s Tennis Foundation Scholarship again this year meant […]<\/p>\n