PLAYER PROFILE

Lizette Cabrera

“When Ajla was practising in Brisbane a couple of years ago, we practised a bit here and there but I haven't seen her so much recently.”

realised at age 12 she was good enough to pursue a professional career
alongside fellow junior Priscilla Hon, won the Optus 14s Championships in 2011
looks forward to the Australian Open every year because she gets to watch Rafael Nadal – her tennis hero – play
favourite shot is her two-handed backhand
feels her game most closely resembles Eugenie Bouchard’s
the toughest opponent she has ever faced is Bethanie Mattek-Sands
dream tennis scenario would be beating Serena Williams on Rod Laver Arena in an Australian Open final
professional goals are to win a Grand Slam and reach world No.1
had a break out year in 2016, improving her world ranking by 806 places and collecting two pro titles
made WTA debut in 2017 in Brisbane
made Grand Slam debut in 2017 at the Australian Open
Advanced to her first tour-level quarterfinal in Guangzhou, China at age 19

the best advice she’s received is to work hard, always have a good attitude and not to forget that it’s a long journey
her perfect day would see her spending time at the beach with her friends and family
loves dancing, and would have tried to be a professional dancer if not a tennis player