Humble Kruger sisters a hit on court
Isabella Kruger (19) became a crowd favourite at the recent ITF-sanctioned Curro Centre Court Series in Hillcrest over the past three weeks. She had a scratchy first and third week but stormed to the women’s title in week two.
The daughter of the late Springbok flank and member of the 1995 World Cup winning squad Ruben, Isabella comes from a sporting family, first holding a tennis racquet when she was three years old.
“My older sister Zoe was playing and my uncle, Frans Cronje, cousin of the late South African cricket captain Hansie, is a tennis coach who taught me at first. Both my sister and I were learners at Curro Hazeldean in Pretoria and my Mom, cousins and other family members all played tennis,” said Isabella. “It’s a sport I have grown up with and am now taking it further.”
It’s quite unique to have sisters playing together on the international tennis circuit and while Isabella was the queen of the court in the women’s singles at week two of the Curro Centre Court Series, Zoe stepped up in the final week to keep the Kruger flag flying high as she won the women’s singles title.
“This was my second pro title and both have been in South Africa. Being a wildcard into the main draw for the final week, my mindset was to take each game as it came and I just kept progressing. To win the final after Isabella won the previous week is a proud moment and it’s just the confidence boost I need as I get back into competitive tennis again,” said Zoe.
Indeed, Zoe suffered a hand injury that needed surgery and kept her out of competitive tennis for three years. While her win was a welcome return to form and gave a clear indication of her pedigree and ability, she is only too aware of what sport at the top level requires.
“I was just going to concentrate on playing singles in the final week but got talked into partnering Isabella in the women’s doubles. It was extra pressure on the body and we kept winning meaning I had to keep going and dig deep,” said Zoe. “Somehow we made it to the final where we unfortunately lost but two singles titles in three weeks between us is something to remember.”
Isabella matriculated last year and has taken this year to play tennis and decide what she wants to study. “Playing tennis demands plenty of travelling and after playing here in Hillcrest, Italy is the next destination. We lived in Florida for seven years before moving back home to South Africa during Covid,” she said.
While this year is all about tennis, Isabella knows that living the dream does not last forever, particularly in sport. “Tennis is a tough mental game and I am quite interested in psychology but I still need to give it some thought,” she said. “I don’t want to just rush into something and then realise it’s not what I want to do.”
Watching Isabella play, it’s definitely in her character to make sure she is prepared and focused on what she has to do. “I approach every match in the same way, whether it’s the first round or a final. I have my routines and work on getting my grips feeling comfortable and mentally controlling what I can on the court although the nature of the game doesn’t allow that too often,” she said.
Pursuing tennis as a career is tough in South Africa, There are no major tournaments, no big name players visiting our shores and at many clubs and schools, the tennis courts lie derelict, their time in the sun long past.
There is hope, however, and the current Curro Centre Court Series allows up-and-coming players from South Africa and abroad the opportunity to move forward and develop their game. It’s from tournaments like this that small seeds grow into mighty trees.
“Tennis is hard to get into in South Africa but it comes down to the opportunity to hook up with the right coach and get to play overseas. That is key, as overseas, there are many levels of players and tournaments and they are all learning experiences,” said Isabella.
While Isabella has had and continues to have the privilege of playing overseas, like all professional sportswomen, she knows too well that it’s ambition, hunger and above all, hard work, that makes it a success. “My advice to young players who have perhaps watched me play, is to follow your dream but always remember, it takes the hard yards to make it work,” she said. “It’s those hours of practice, going back day after day, working on the same routines, dragging your body through another session and mentally still enjoying it. That’s the difference between good and great.”
Isabella and Zoe were both ranked 330 and 424 on the WTA tour respectively before their injuries last year. The Curro Centre Court Series has allowed both girls the opportunity to gain access to the world tour. Their respective victories speak volumes of their ability and have boosted their world ranking as they return to competitive tennis on the tour. The Kruger sisters will both be in action when the Curro Centre Court Series returns in December at Stellenbosch from 1 to 15 December this year.
Article Courtesy of www.nadiarossouwpr.co.za
