Lucy Foyster is still on Cloud Nine after clinching the Australian Open junior wheelchair doubles title with Seira Matsuoka of Japan almost two weeks’ ago.
Having begun playing tennis only three years ago, 12-year-old Lucy has made tremendous strides with Neil Plaskett at Easton Tennis Centre, and in her work with her main coach, Marc McCarrol, and with Martyn Whait in Melbourne.
Lucy, the youngest of all competitors at the Australian Open, and her partner defeated top seeds Luna Gryp of Belgium and American Lucy Heald 6-3, 7-5 in the final on 31 January.
Back on Norfolk soil (and school…), Hethersett-based Lucy and her mother, Helga, talked to Norfolk Tennis News about her three-week odyssey in Australia, which included two warm-up tournaments between 17 and 23 January.
From the minute you landed in Australia, for your trip, what were your feelings about playing?
It was really exciting to get the wild card and go on the trip. I was a bit worried about it being too hot, because it snowed the week we left Norwich! I was looking forward to gaining experience.
Tell us about your experiences in the two warm-up events for the Australian Open.
It was really positive. The organisers at Hume Tennis Centre were really kind and being in the same place as the pro players was a great learning experience. I had my wheelchair adjusted by the on-site mechanic too.
You took off a set off World No. 1 junior Luna Gryp in a singles match... did that give you a huge confidence boost?
Yes, at the Australian Open, it was a really good feeling and my coach was pleased with me. The confidence and self-belief I gained in the first two tournaments also helped, but I think having the umpire and line judges took the pressure off me. I could just focus on my game.
Then, beating World No. 3 Lucy Heald also prior to AO, what did that mean to you?
I was so happy beating Lucy in straight sets at the Victorian Open, that was a first in many meetings between us. At the Orange Bowl tournament in Fort Lauderdale, I took a set from her so I did feel that I could win. But it’s also an odd feeling because off court we are good friends and often play doubles together. But she was the first to congratulate me.
What was it like at the Australian Open, being so close to superstar players and watching Alfie [Hewett] and other top wheelchair players up close?
It was very inspiring and a new and exciting environment. At first it was quite a surprise seeing players like [Aryna] Sabalenka and [Elena] Rybakina just walking by, or at the gym, or in the player lounge. On the day Siera and I won our doubles, [Nick] Kyrgios was training on the court next to us. A bit surreal really. Mum liked seeing the players she knew, who are mostly now presenters! It was really nice having encouragement from Alfie and Lucy Shuker. Knowing they are keeping an eye out for me gives me confidence.
In the build-up to your Australian Open doubles final, how were your nerves?
At first it was a bit nerve-wracking, but I very quickly got used to it. Having ball kids was really good, but very different to other junior tournaments.
Did you feel comfortable on court quickly?
Yes, I felt that I settled even though sometimes I noticed photographers. I haven’t had time to watch the film footage yet, but that is something I will do with my coach.
What were the challenges?
There are quite a few formalities that I didn’t know about Grand Slams like the players being called to court.
What have you learnt from the trip overall?
Believing in myself. Making a plan with the coach before the match and sticking with it; learning from the elements, which worked and those that didn’t. My training and preparation are going well. I just have to keep building on this success and take a bit of time to enjoy and celebrate it.