We are Girls who play ... Tennis!

Name: Amelie Brooks

Age started: 4

Location: Halton Tennis Centre, Buckinghamshire, UK

Follow me on social: @amelieprotennis

I’m a national level tennis player and playing tennis has always been my passion. Ever since I picked up the racket at the age of four I knew that tennis was the sport for me, mentally and physically. I am 14 now so I have been playing for about nine years and those years have been full of experiences, achievements, challenges and learning.

My family has always been very sporty, my mum played tennis as a junior, my dad plays golf and swims and my brother used to play football. The first club I remember playing at was The Avenue but I most vividly remember playing at David Lloyd Finchley. When I was younger I lived off the thrill of playing. I was like a puppy that just wanted to keep chasing down every ball. I still am like a puppy these days but my game has developed a lot more than just chasing the ball!

Playing tennis has always made me feel unique on the inside and outside. I’ve always believed that tennis allows you to express yourself on court and off the court as it can enable you to feel secure enough to allow yourself to believe. So, if you are considering trying out tennis or any sport in general, give it a go! You may either love it, hate it or it might take you a while to decide but I know that tennis has helped me to grow as a person, a player and a performer.

‘I know that tennis has helped me to grow as a person, a player and a performer.’

I definitely see myself as extremely competitive so I love playing tournaments. Some of my successes include: winning 10U national level singles, winning two 12U national level doubles, finalist at several 12U Tennis Europe singles and doubles, winning a 14U Tennis Europe doubles and finalist at 12U GB national championships. I also won 12U Middlesex County Closed three years in a row - equalling Anne Keothavong who is now the GB Billie Jean King Cup captain. However, these are just my on court achievements. As a person I have gained so much throughout my tennis journey: maturing on court and off court, learning from my mistakes and expanding my social skills. I love the travelling and believe that it is such a key part to tennis. It allows me to experience new cultures, languages, foods and places which I enjoy very much.

Being a tennis player is one of the most challenging journeys as it’s full of ups and downs. However, losing and winning aren’t the only ups and downs that tennis players face. For me my biggest challenges have been my mindset on court. I can get highly frustrated during matches and that has sometimes been my downfall. Usually the frustration comes from a lack of self confidence, anger because of a tricky opponent or sometimes I put too much pressure on myself. On the other hand, sometimes my self confidence is strong and helps me through tougher matches, sometimes I am more mature against tricky opponents and often I use the pressure to push me to win. Another great example of the highs and lows of tennis has been Covid and lockdown. I’ve been through so many different emotions during the 3 lockdowns but throughout the feelings I battled through and found a way with my team.

My team are some of the most important people in my life and they’ve guided me through my journey. They’ve taught me, supported me and most importantly been there for me.

I think that during 2020 and up to now I have developed so much in all aspects of my life and tennis but the development never stops with tennis as you’re constantly learning, improving and changing. Covid has prevented so many opportunities but I am always looking to create new goals for myself in and around tennis.

Thank you so much Amelie for telling us your story! It’s clear to see that tennis is such a huge and important part of your life.

If you’d like to share your story, email hello@wearegirlsinsport.com - we’d love to hear from you!

All photo credits Laura Marks