In the second of our series of Asia-Pacific Tennis League team profiles, we had a chat with Jim Chaousis, coach of the Flagstaff Freighters.
The Freighters won the SA-Conference of the National Tennis League in 2011 going through the local competition undefeated. They then performed magnificently at the National Playoff held at the Australian Open progressing through to the final but were unable to overcome the might of Kooyong. Flagstaff have ‘flagged’ their intentions of looking to go all the way in the ATL by assembling a formidable squad that appears capable of taking all on offer.
Headed by Bojana Bobusic, currently ranked 9th in Australia, the squad has unbelievable depth. At number two is Brit Emily Webley-Smith – a guest player for the Freighters in 2011, Emily reached a career-high world ranking of 240 in 2011 and is her country’s 6th highest ranked female.
The quality continues to queue up with former Australian number 1 junior and Australian Open participant, Karolina Wlodarczak lured from Kooyong.
Some of the best local players also feature, with Brooke Rischbieth and Olivia Lukaszewicz likely to feature prominently and local legend Louise Stacey set to be unleashed in the doubles.
Flagstaff have also provided the opportunity for some of the up and coming young talent to be involved with the likes of Chloe Hule, Petra Hule and Jeanette Lin keen for their chance and more than capable of contributing strongly as required.
Managing such a deep squad will be a test in itself, but Jim Chaousis is ready and excited for the challenge:
What about the ATL concept is most appealing to you?
JC: “The opportunity to compete at Melbourne Park during the Australian Open is a privilege that all teams will be aspiring for. We were fortunate enough to be apart of the experience earlier this year and to whoever the successful team is this season, they will no doubt enjoy the opportunity to represent South Australia and their club at one of the best tennis venues in the world”.
Has your squad been training together and/or doing any other activities as a group in the lead up to the ATL?
JC: “We have had some team members involved in tournaments interstate recently so it has been challenging to get the whole squad together at the same time. The positive aspect is that everyone has been competing in one way or another so hopefully that will hold us in good stead come round 1”.
With such a deep squad, who would you nominate as a player from your team as ‘one to watch’ and why?
JC: ” I am looking forward to working with Bojana Bobusic who has been fantastic in the lead up to this event. She has a great feel for team tennis and I am hoping that at some stage we can have Bojana team up with Louise Stacey in the doubles as I think the contrast in these two players styles will make for a good combination”.
What is the strength of your squad as a whole?
JC: “The great thing about our squad is that everybody genuinely understands that we are a part of a team and that will always take precedence over any individual. We are going to have some players miss out on getting a game at times but whether you are a player, a parent or a committee member, the understanding is that we are all in this together and hopefully this will give us the opportunity to have a successful season”.
Who do you view as your team’s biggest threat?
JC: “The competition this year is extremely even and any team could find themselves in the final on November 30th. All the best local talent is evenly spread amongst the six teams which will make each match an even contest”.
The Flagstaff Freighters are proudly supported by Doser Freight Forwarding Pty Ltd.
The Freighters start their ATL campaign against the Golden Grove Lions on Thursday November 30th at Memorial Drive. Entry is free and play commences at 6.15pm.
| Flagstaff Freighters |
AR |
| Bojana Bobusic |
9 |
| Emily Webley-Smith |
UK |
| Karolina Wlodarczak |
16 |
| Brooke Rischbieth |
44 |
| Olivia Lukaszewicz |
N/A |
| Chloe Hule |
73 |
| Louise Stacey |
N/A |
| Kimberley Ruxton |
N/A |
| Petra Hule |
N/A |
| Jeanette Lin |
393 |
| Maria Lobanova |
414 |
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