Emerging Warrnambool tennis player developing her skills

Warrnambool's Ella Cook enjoyed her first major success at the Warrnambool Lawn Open on Labour Day weekend this year.

She won the 11 and under girls singles.

"I was pretty surprised because I'd never really won a big tournament like that," she said.

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The tennis ace, who is working on her serve, is keen to try new competitions when allowed to.

"I just want to play more tournaments after the coronavirus pandemic," she said.

The pandemic may have prevented her from playing matches this year but she's continued to train.

The world's number one women's tennis player is her idol.

"I really like and look up to Ash Barty," she said.

"She's an Aussie of course and I like how she gave different sports a go, that she played cricket and went back to tennis."

Barty played with the Brisbane Heat in the inaugural Women's Big Bash League.

Ella joined South West Academy of Sport's (SWAS) tennis program this year.

She said she had benefited from online tuition.

The young gun participates in a weekly virtual strength and conditioning session with Leigh Finlayson along with other SWAS athletes. Ella said her program involved squats and planks.

She has also enjoyed listening to SWAS guest speakers.

"On Fridays right now there's usually a guest speaker and there's been a range of things," she said.

"It could be about nutrition, the mental side of sport, there was also a physical therapist one."

Ella said she particularly enjoyed the SWAS online Pilates sessions.

The Our Lady Help of Christians year six student said her brother, Oliver, and mum, Michelle, inspired her to pick up a racquet.

She was soon enjoying the nationwide Hot Shots program for entry-level juniors.

The youngster is now taking weekly lessons at the Beachside Tennis Academy under the tutelage of Andrew Crawford, Helen Papaevagelou and Willow Sainsbury.

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