When you’re ranked Number 1 in Australia for players in your birth year, opportunities will open up for you. This has definitely been the case for WA rising star, Derek Pham who is currently in Bangkok, Thailand representing Australia at the World Junior Teams qualifying event.
The event sees teams from around the world compete in Bangkok from March 26-31 and enables the young players to gain valuable experience on the court. Derek, who was selected alongside QLD’s Alec Braund and SA’s Edward Winter, considers this his greatest achievement.
Back in Perth, Derek Pham trains with Tennis Australia in the Development Team WA Squad three times per week. He says that through the squad he has significantly improved his game and developed as an athlete.
“It’s great to get match play and be able to hit in a structured environment for a few hours,” says Derek.
At age 13, he reached the finals of the 14’s Clay Court Nationals, after which he was invited on the 2017 Tennis Australia 13th Birth Year tour to Europe. During his time on this tour he was able to observe how international teams train and prepare.
“The tour made me really understand that you need to work hard and compete to win each point,” Derek said.
“Players from different countries have different game styles that you need to overcome” he continued.
As for what the future holds for Derek Pham, “Hopefully in ten years time I’ll be playing Davis Cup and on the ATP Tour”.
With a strong work ethic and positive attitude like Derek’s, no doubt the opportunities will be endless.
Here at Tennis West we couldn’t be more proud of Derek and are incredibly excited to see what the future holds for him. Be sure to watch this space!
Full Name: Derek Pham
Nickname: Dezza
Age: 13
Birth Place: Perth, WA
Local Club: Midland Tennis Club
Plays: Right handed
Coach: Cameron Fenner
How were you introduced to tennis? It was actually in pre-school daycare. We would play fun tennis games and that’s when I fell in love with the game.
Favourite Player: Rafael Nadal
Favourite surface: Grass court
Favourite shot to play: Backhand line
Your goal for 2018? I would like to win a Nationals title and just gain some International exposure.
Greatest achievement? Definitely being selected to represent Australia at the World Junior Teams Qualifying event in Thailand.
Any pre-match rituals? Not really, just a physical warm up
What song gets you pumped up before a match? Rap music
Favourite movie: Hunt for the Wilder People
Favourite food: I love Sizzler
If you could have any super power what would it be? Teleportation would be really cool
Hobbies: soccer
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