Break disrupts Spain-based starlet's charge
Koketso Kgoboge | Friday July 3, 2020 13:30
The starlet was crafting her name in the United Kingdom and Spain where she had started winning several tournaments before the outbreak curtailed her progress.
Youri has represented the nation in a series of tournaments since 2018. She started her exploits on the tennis court and swinging the racquet at a very tender age of three, inspired by watching his brother.
The 15-year-old, from Gaborone, is now at the Barcelona tennis academy in Spain under the mentorship of former Swiss tennis star, Raphael Maurer.
She is also under the wing of French coach, Jordane Doble and Spaniard, Sergi Valldaura, who worked with former World Tennis Association number two player, Svetlana Kutzenetzova and Flavia Pennetta who was once ranked sixth.
“I am finding it difficult not being able to train with my club in Spain.
There are no tournaments to play at the moment because of the COVID-19 pandemic and my training had to stop,” she told Mmegi Sport.
In the meanwhile, the youngster said she has been keeping herself occupied with online fitness training and hitting ball with friends whenever possible. Youri’s star has been shining bright and she continued her good run early this year before the coronavirus outbreak in the European shores. She has been making her name in the tennis junior ranks raking accolades in Spain and United Kingdom.
After breaking into the Under-18 category at 15-years-old, she clinched the Catalonia tournament in Spain.
She won again in the United Kingdom in the same age category late last year.
She opened the year with another win in the UK in January. She was scheduled to participate in a number of tournaments before the pandemic.
“It is a difficult period and the (coronavirus) outbreak has disturbed my calendar, but I remain motivated by my love for the sport and my achievement so far. I am also getting support from my coaches and the Botswana Tennis Association. They have been encouraging in this period,” the youngster said.
Youri represented Botswana at the International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournaments in South Africa and Zimbabwe in 2019 reaching the second round in both. “It was a great experience playing against older and more experienced players.”
In a short spell after breaking into the national team, she also turned out for the national team at ITF/Centre African Teams (CAT) Under-14 tournaments in Mauritius in 2018 where she finished runner-up in the doubles.
The rising star played for the Botswana team in Africa Junior Championship in January 2018 finishing ninth in singles and reaching semi-finals in the doubles.
The youngster idolises Serena Williams. Her immediate dreams are to take part in many ITF tournaments and her ultimate dream is to win a Wimbledon tournament.
“I want to play grand slams and WTA (Women Tennis Association) tournaments. My dream is to follow in the footsteps of Serena (Williams). She is physically and mentally strong and she perseveres. I wish to win the Wimbledon one day,” she said.
FACT FILE
Full Names: Refilwe Ekua Youri
Date of Birth: January 12, 2005
Place of Birth: United Kingdom
Sport: Tennis
Strong-hand: Right
Hobbies: baking, swimming and music