Courting the future – Sean Berman, new star, new Aussie
J-Wire speaks to Sean Berman, a 17-yr-old tennis sensation who has advanced to the round of 16 at the Australian Open Junior Boys’ Championship at Melbourne Park.
Sean Berman - eye on the ball Pic: Tennis Australia
Berman defeated the 16th seeded Slovak Jozef Kovalik 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 yesterday.
His next match, in the round of 16, will be tougher when he faces number 3 seed, fellow Australian Jason Kubler.
He told J-Wire: “The last time I played Jason, he beat me and a win will be a pleasant revenge.”
Berman is the newest Aussie on the circuit. His family recently arrived from Los Angeles to settle in his mother’s native Melbourne.
Sean may not yet be an international star, but he is an international player.
Born in Johannesburg in 1993, Berman’s family moved to New Zealand, living there until Sean was 12.
The Berman family then moved to Los Angeles, their home until last year when they settled in Melbourne.
Alhtough not yet a naturalised Australian, all Berman’s paperwork has been approved. Tennis Australia first listed him as an American but when this was queried by J-Wire the country of association was changed to Australia.
In Melbourne, he attends the Tennis Australia academy under the tutelage of Chris Mahoney.
J-Wire asked this brand new Aussie what life is like
On school…
“Tennis Australia provides home school facilities so I have lessons in the training camp.”
On his social life…
My favorite band is the Black-Eyed Peas. I love their music.I try to maintain a reasonably normal social life and enjoy myself.
Future plans.
“I want to turn pro sometime this year and I have my mind set on playing in the Juniors at Wimbledon in July.”
Next tournament?
“I will be heading to Tasmania to play in the Burnie Challenge?
Your dream?
“To be the number one player in the world”.
This morning, this new Australian, who won the 2009 Optus 16s national championship, is doing more than facing the number three seed on Show Court 3….win or lose, he is facing his future.
