ITF Junior Tour competitor 14-year old Lyndsey Phillips has already bagged numerous tennis accolades, and this determined young spirit has dreams of becoming a tennis great as she focusses on forging her path in the sport.
She has already won numerous titles for Tennis South Africa and plays in International Tennis Federation tournaments, saying that getting experience playing in different competitions is helping to improve her game, and will help her achieve the top accolades in tennis.
“I have played in several local Tennis South Africa tournaments, Nationals, and International Tennis Federation tournaments. Last year, I was also invited to attend the U14 Juniors National Masters in Pretoria, which was a great honour.”
14-year old Tennis Prodigy, Lyndsey Phillips
“I’ve competed in every ITF tournament that my age has allowed so far and have also entered qualifying draws for Pro Women’s Circuit events in Pretoria and Stellenbosch, gaining valuable experience and a glimpse into the next level of the game.
“Over the years, I have won numerous TSA trophies, medals, and awards. Although I have not yet won an ITF title, I’ve had great victories against strong international players,” she says.
“The competition level at ITF events is much higher, with a broader age group, and players can only start competing internationally from the age of 13 — my starting point. For me, everything is just starting, and I’m excited to keep learning, growing, and building my way toward ITF and Pro-level titles!”
2024 was another successful year who Phillips as she made the main draw of the U14 Junior Orange Bowl in Miami. The event is seen as one of the most prestigious junior events globally. She then received official recognition from Tennis South Africa (TSA) for the finish fourth and competing under the South African flag.
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She says her sport gives her great satisfaction but also teaches her many lessons at the same time. “I love tennis because it’s more than just a sport.
“It’s the memories I make, the adventures I go on, and the lessons I learn on and off the court. It pushes me to be my best and teaches me discipline, resilience, and focus. It is also an amazing sport on its own.”
Phillips left mainstream school and joined a tennis academy to help her balance her tennis and school life. She finished her time in primary school in December 2023 where she graduated from Herschel Girls School.
“Being at a full-time tennis academy helps me balance tennis and school because it’s designed for athletes like me. I train for 5 1/2 hours daily, and have about 3 1/2 hours dedicated to school, so l can focus on both without feeling overwhelmed. It also teaches me how to manage my time better, a skill I know will help me in the future,” she says.
Being a young tennis player means you have role models who inspire you. This is no different for Phillips: “I have several role models in tennis who inspire me in different ways.
“One of them is Mirra Andreeva because, like me, she started playing at a young age and has already shown incredible talent and determination. I am also inspired by Billie Jean King, who showed incredible courage and determination from a young age and opened so many doors for future generations. Each of these players reminds me that greatness starts with belief, hard work, and resilience.
At her young age, does she regard herself as leader? Well, the confident teenager feels that she has become a role model for her age-group mates. “I believe I am starting to become a leader for people around my age who are chasing their dreams.
“Through my hard work, dedication, and positive attitude, I hope to show others that it’s possible to follow your passion and achieve great things. Even though I am still learning and growing, I know that by setting a strong example now, I can inspire others to believe in themselves too.”
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Phillips harbours aspirations of one day becoming a well-known figure in the sport where she can pass on her tennis skills and knowledge to the younger generation.
“I hope to grow into an even stronger leader in the sport one day. I want to be someone who not only achieves success on the court but also mentors and inspires the next generation by sharing everything I have learned — the hard work, lessons, sacrifices, and passion that go into chasing a dream.”
She says being she wants to be an inspiration leader not just to those around but also to young girls who want to pursue a tennis.
“As a young leader, I hope to show that with determination, a positive mindset, and belief in yourself, anything is possible. I want to encourage more young girls to dream big, not be afraid of hard work and believe that they belong on the court. I want to leave a mark not just through my achievements, but through the way I uplift and inspire others in the tennis world.”
Main Photo Caption: 14-year old ITF Junior Tour competitor Lyndsey Phillips already has more than Tennis SA tournament 20 titles to her name, and the young prodigy is focussed on pursuing her dreams of becoming a tennis great as she forges her path in the sport. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: “As a young leader, I hope to show that with determination, a positive mindset, and belief in yourself, anything is possible.” – Phillips
Photo 3 Caption: After Herschel Girls Primary School, Phillips joined a full-time tennis academy to help her balance her tennis and school life.
Photo 4 Caption: Phillips has decided on her future: I love tennis, because it’s more than just a sport! It’s the memories I make, the adventures I go on, and the lessons I learn on and off the court.”
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