Rising Surfcoast tennis star Rupert Sever took out the Tennis Victoria 12\/under Junior State Championships last week in Bendigo.<\/p>\n
Sever won five matches on his way to the final before defeating Roman Filipovic in straight sets, 6-4, 6-1.<\/p>\n
Sever is coached by former professional tennis player Olivia Rich, the pair uniting for a fantastic partnership over the last three years.<\/p>\n
Rich said developing a game to suit Sever’s attributes had been crucial in his success and she added that coaching such a promising young player had improved her as a coach.<\/p>\n
“We’ve developed his game to suit his stature and based it around his athleticism,” Rich said.<\/p>\n
“It’s definitely made me a better coach, having someone with that much talent, but also someone who needed some help. I wouldn’t be the coach I am today without someone like that to work with.”<\/p>\n
One element of Sever’s game that sets him apart from other players age is his eye-catching single-handed backhand, a shot not frequently seen in the modern game, even less so with someone so young.<\/p>\n
“He’s developed an advanced single-handed backhand for his age, he is very athletic, very fast around the work. He just has an amazing work ethic, great intensity and self-drive.”<\/p>\n
Sever loves his tennis, but importantly enjoys a good balance between the game and his other interests. A keen surfer, often doing so with his Mum, and mountain bike rider, as well as his schooling, ensures the young gun has an array of outlets in his life.<\/p>\n
Sever spoke of how much he enjoyed working with Rich.<\/p>\n
“She’s awesome. She’s part of our family, the influence she’s had on and off the court is just amazing,” Sever said.<\/p>\n
Sever also remains in contact with Aireys Inlet coach Dean Goldsworthy, who coached Sever in his early years.<\/p>\n
The next step for Sever will be to play his trade at National Championship level.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Rising Surfcoast tennis star Rupert Sever took out the Tennis Victoria 12\/under Junior State Championships last week in Bendigo. Sever won five matches on his way to the final before defeating Roman Filipovic in straight sets, 6-4, 6-1. Sever is coached by former professional tennis player Olivia Rich, the pair uniting for a fantastic partnership […]<\/p>\n