Comeback for tennis champ

Photo: JASON OXENHAM

OPEN-BOUND: Grey Lynn resident Brittany Teei is set to represent New Zealand at the Kia Australian Amateur Tennis Open in Melbourne next year.

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A return to the tennis court has been a long time coming for Brittany Teei.

At just 14, the former New Zealand age-group player suffered a serious break in her foot that kept her out of the game for six years.

But the Grey Lynn resident, now 20, will get to take on some of the best amateurs in the world at the Kia Amateur Australian Open, run alongside the Melbourne-based grand slam event early next year.

"The qualifying tournament was my first tournament win since I came back after injury," she says.

The timing of the win proved sentimental for Brittany, falling on the one-year anniversary of her grandfather’s death.

"He was like my dad and brought me up. I can’t really describe it."

Brittany hopes the tournament will be a stepping stone to a professional career.

However she’s determined not to become overawed by the occasion, having played at Melbourne Park as a teenager during her time in the New Zealand squad.

"It’s my chance to go and play in a big stadium again," Brittany says.

"Half the reason I’m looking forward to it is I enjoy playing in that kind of environment.

"There’ll be lots of exposure and people watching, so I’m sure it’ll be a good chance to impress so early on in my comeback."

While she’s got no idea what the competition will be like in Melbourne, Brittany is putting in between 25 and 30 hours training a week for the event.

"I’m just preparing as much as I can so I’m ready on a professional level."

The chance to play in the Caro Bowl inter-club tennis competition for Remuera has also helped with her preparation for the open and other local events.

"It’s good because it gives you something each week to work towards."

She also recently took part in the Pacific Mini Games, winning gold, silver and bronze medals for her native Cook Islands.

Coach Troy Turnbull says Brittany’s desire to succeed helped her take out the Australian qualifying tournament and win medals at the mini games.

"She always had a good show, but it’s more difficult when there’s a big prize up for grabs at the end."

He says Brittany likes to play a power game, which should help her in Melbourne.

"She gives the ball a nudge, but we’ve been working on her consistency."

- © Fairfax NZ News