Evan Peters is climbing the ranks on the local tennis scene and he hopes it translates to success on the national stage.
Peters, 11, has been playing tennis since he was six-years-old. He’s been a part of the high development program for two years and started this season on the provincial “C” team. But with some hard work, Peters was promoted to the “B” team and will be one of nine players representing the province at the 2019 Junior indoor National Championships across the country later this month. As a member of the under-12 roster, Peters will compete in Calgary at The Tennis Academy from March 22-28.
“I’m looking forward to getting the opportunity to go,” Peters said. “It kind of boosts your confidence a lot. I get to play against kids that are really good and will challenge me.”
It’s the first time Peters will head to nationals and he said he plans to give his best effort and see what happens. At 11, he’s the youngest player on the “B” team, forcing him to practice and often play against older players which is fine by him.
“You get a lot better. When you play someone who’s older than you and stronger than you, you learn how to control the powers they’re using and play against them,” Peters said. “When you play a kid that’s your age and has the same strength as you, you can take more power and get control of more points.”
Peters, a Grade 6 student at St. Charles, originally played hockey, but when his mom signed him up for tennis five years ago, he loved it. He hopes more kids his age give the sport a try.
“I’d say they should give tennis a shot because it’s nice to be by yourself on a court and not have anyone tell you what you have to do,” he said. “It’s kind of like being set free in a way. If you like being independent, it’s a good sport for you.”
For now, Peters is focused on getting better each day and learning as much as he can at nationals. But one day, he hopes to return and be considered one of the favourites to win.
“I want to be known. Let’s say I went to nationals again and I had to play a kid from Ontario, I want him to know who I am and know I’m a strong player.”
