On the way to tennis success

FOLLOWING in Ash Barty’s footsteps doesn’t daunt Zoe Hives.

Hives is a recipient of a Women’s Tennis Foundation scholarship, just like Barty – who’s current the number 1 ranked women’s tennis player in the world, was when starting out on her tennis journey.

She said receiving the Women’s Tennis Foundation Scholarship again this year meant a lot to her.

“Not only does the financial support help with travel, having the foundation’s belief and support behind me gives me confidence in where I’m going,” she said.

It’s 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.

To cap it off she was a singles finalist in Kentucky, USA.

Over the past two years Hives’ ranking has climbed from 380 to 140 in the singles and to 167 in the doubles.

The Women’s Tennis Foundation exists to support and promote women’s tennis in Australia.

Brigette McGuire, the foundation’s 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.

“We know that the cost of being a professional tennis player is out of the reach of many Australians,” she said.

“Without doubt the talent is there, we want to ensure that our emerging players do not drop out of tennis simply because their families can’t afford the investment required.”

Hives, 23, was seven years old when she first played competition tennis. She is now a professional full-time player.

Hives said while tennis is such an individual sport, having the scholarship is invaluable.

“It is great to have the support of a group of people that I feel are on the journey with me,” she said.