MAREEBA tennis talent Jordan Maisel goes into today's Rod Laver Queensland Junior Championships armed with encouraging form against tough competition.
Maisel, who is ranked 11th for the championships, is still buzzing after defeating South Australia’s Jessica Gardner, ranked 125 positions above her, in the consolation rounds of the Winter Nationals which ended yesterday.
The 14-year-old Maisel, ranked 400th in Australia, recovered from losing a first set tie-breaker to Gardner, aged 13 and ranked No. 275, to secure the win 6-7 (2-7) 6-0 10-5 in a super tie-break third set.
Maisel lost her next match to Victorian Laura Rabinovich, ranked 256th in Australia, but her triumph over Gardner has her pumped for a big performance in today’s championships.
"I was really happy with the way I played," she said.
"I usually play better against players I shouldn’t beat because the pressure is not there to win it." Maisel has a bye in today’s opening round and is drawn to meet the winner of a first round match featuring Mission Beach’s Nikki Harris.
"I’m seeded, so I’m expected to get to the round of 16, but I want to get past what I’m expected to do," she said.
Tennis Queensland state regional coach Matt Richards is keen to get Maisel to Brisbane for training camps to further develop her talents, an invitation which she said has definite appeal.
