Q.) We have to talk about that Wimbledon win, in 2019 you won the Road to Wimbledon Regional 14 and under singles title, how much did you enjoy that experience of winning the trophy and competing at Wimbledon?
A.) I enjoyed it so much, Wimbledon is my favourite place in the world and my favourite grand slam. Even though I have only played on grass twice, I really like the surface because it feels quick and suits my game. I love the traditions of Wimbledon like wearing white. Last year Simona Halep winning was special as she’s one of my favourite players and role models. The event is really well organised and to play where my idols have played made it really special. I also enjoyed meeting more new players from overseas, I have stayed friends with these people and stayed in touch. I can’t wait to go back next year for the coaching clinic and to watch on Centre Court, especially as it’s the 20th Anniversary of Road To Wimbledon. Getting my name on the board there will be very special and I hope to be playing again there one day in the slam itself.
Q.) Obviously it’s great to win titles, but do you think that Wimbledon win has given you confidence and the belief you can win more titles in the future?
A.) Winning the RTW is an experience I will never forget, of course my long term goal is to win more titles in the future and I will continue to work hard towards my goals.
Q.) You are part of the GB National Tennis Academy, what are the coaches teaching you to develop your game?
A.) Yes, I joined the GB National Academy last August, my coaches are teaching me to be more patient with my game. We have a great team of tennis coaches with Leo Azevedo, Toni Gordon, Bruno Argudo and Colin Fleming who are very experienced and dedicated in helping us develop, also we have a great support team such as Sean Tough for strength and conditioning who helped me with my injury rehab. I like to play aggressively but they are teaching me to build my points more and not go for a winning shot if it’s not on. They are also helping me to not be too hard on myself because that can affect my mentality and isn’t good for my game play. Also, that tennis is a long journey and we are developing every day to get stronger and better.
Q.) Coco Gauff made a memorable run in the women’s main draw at Wimbledon last year, aged just 15. Do stories like that inspire you to work hard and follow in her footsteps?
A.) Yes, Coco Gauff is very inspiring, I mean to have those results at just 15-years-old is incredible. We are all at different points, physically she is a lot more developed and stronger so we are all at different points. Where she inspires me most is not the wins but how she handles herself on court and in training, she’s got a great mindset and I think that is what I can take from her amazing performances. To be on court and amongst the best in the world at 15-years-old is very inspirational.
Q.) This season is currently up in the air with the ongoing coronavirus, but are you planning to play more ITF tournaments later in the year?
A.) Yes, unfortunately the Coronavirus came at the wrong time for me as I was just coming back from four months out of tennis training completely after fracturing my wrist. What the time out has taught me is if you want it, you have to ride out these tough times. Also I have trained different areas like lower body strength and mental skills. It has made me want to compete even more, I know to start again will be tough but I want to improve with each match.
Q.) You won your first ITF title in Edinburgh, Scotland last year, that must have been a special moment in your career?
A.) It was great to win my first ITF last summer as I was still 13-years-old. I really enjoyed the tournament in Edinburgh and got stronger in my game and grew in confidence with each match. I was entered as a wildcard as I had no ranking points, so to then win it made me really happy with my efforts.
Q.) There’s many fantastic women’s tennis players right now, is there a specific player that you wartch and learn from, if so who and why?
A.) I like to watch all the women play, well most anyway. The player I think I am most like in how she plays and her footwork is Victoria Azarenka. I love her focus, attitude, personality and her game style is one I admire. I also love Simona Halep she works so hard on court as she isn’t strong enough to hit through most players she really has to build the points. Ash Barty is another one of my favourites, I met her once and she is so nice even though she’s one of the best players in the world. I enjoy watching some of the younger ones too like Amanda Anisimova and Dayana Yastremska because I like the way they play and their attacking style. Of course I support the British girls too in particular Katie Boulter, she was amazing in the Fed Cup, she’s also from Leicestershire like me so another Fox.
Q.) What is your dream thing to achieve in tennis?
A.) My dream is to be in the top 10 in the world and then to use this to open a girls tennis academy, that would be my ultimate dream to improve tennis for girls. Also I want GB to win the Fed Cup, hopefully I can play in that one day and then coach in it later in my career.
Thanks to Talia for participating in an interview, we wish you the very best in your career. Dan
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