Tennis youngster Raetea Rongo has been selected in Team Pacific Oceania for the 2023 ITF World Teams Competition Asia/Oceania Pre-Qualifying Events to be held in Sri Lanka from February 13-18.

Rongo will join Colita Hakena (Papua New Guinea) and Mia Chang (Tahiti) in the Girls Under-14 team guided by coach/manager Raynal Singh of Fiji.

Her selection follows the recent OTF/ITF Albury Tour where Rongo represented Tennis Cook Islands on the world stage and finished as series winner in the 14U Girls Singles Junior and runner up in 14U Girls Doubles Premier, with partner Lara Meagher.

“This trip to Sri Lanka is such a prestigious opportunity that I’m thankful for, especially to be playing the best U14 players in Asia,” Rongo said.

“Just like in Australia in December where I had my first experience playing on grass courts, this upcoming tournament will be a learning curve as this will be my first time playing on clay courts. It will also be my first time travelling to this country and region.

“I’m excited and I am certain this event will help build me up to adapt to future tournaments, whether on clay or grass, etc.”

Rongo will fly out on Sunday to spend a few days in Melbourne training at the Hume Tennis Academy with Team Pacific Oceania’s coach, Raynal Singh.  Coach Singh was also one of the coaches during her Australia trip.

“I’m looking forward to learning how to play on clay courts from him (Singh).

“I expect this tournament to have players with a high calibre of play, which is why I’ve tried to prepare myself as much as I can in this rainy weather for the past few weeks. I’m thankful to coach Malcolm (Kajer) for helping me get ready technically, and all the people whom I’ve been training and hitting with.  “I’m also grateful for my very own personal trainer, Teina Rongo, who has been helping me maintain my fitness since I returned from Australia.

“I’m looking forward to my journey ahead and wishing for the best in these upcoming events. Meitaki ma’ata to Tennis Cook Islands, OTF, ITF, and my tennis family and friends for their support!”