Tennis ACT is celebrating a historic achievement for the ACT’s 11-and-Under Girls Team, with Celeste Rubiano, Alicia Yang and Billie Zeng claiming the Australian Teams Championship on the Gold Coast. The victory marks the first Australian Teams Championship title for an ACT team in 32 years and only the second national teams title in ACT history.
The Australian Teams Championships bring together the nation's best junior players from every state and territory and is regarded as one of Australia's premier junior team events.
A key member of the championship-winning team, Rubiano has capped off an outstanding season by also earning selection in Tennis Australia's 2026 12-and-Under Gold European Tour.
Currently ranked No.2 in Australia for her age group, Rubiano continues to establish herself as one of the country's most promising young tennis players.
Her selection for the European Tour follows a standout season highlighted by her Australian Claycourt National Doubles Championship title, a quarterfinal appearance in the National Claycourt Singles Championships, and attendance at a Tennis Australia National Camp during the Billie Jean King Cup tie between Australia and Great Britain in Melbourne.
The 2026 European Tour will take place across Hungary and Serbia from 7 July to 2 August, providing selected athletes with the opportunity to compete against some of the world's leading junior players.
Tennis ACT CEO Mark La Brooy said Rubiano's recent achievements were a reflection of both individual excellence and team success.
"This is a fantastic achievement for ACT tennis and a credit to Celeste, Alicia and Billie, who have created a special piece of history for our sport. To be the first ACT team in 32 years to win the Australian Teams Championship is an outstanding result, and Celeste's contribution throughout the campaign reflects why she has also earned the opportunity to represent Australia on the European Tour," La Brooy said.
Tennis ACT Talent Development Manager Nathan Price said the latest achievements reflected both talent and determination.
"The girls should be incredibly proud of what they achieved on the Gold Coast. Winning a national title for the ACT is a fantastic reward for their hard work, and Celeste's selection for the European Tour further recognises the strong season she has put together," Price said.
Rubiano's achievements, alongside the success of Yang and Zeng in securing a historic national team’s title for the ACT, highlight the growing strength of tennis talent emerging from the Canberra region and the effectiveness of the local player development pathway.
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