15 September 2011 | Tennis Victoria

Bevan Rossjohn has a simple tennis goal: to be the best he can be.

Currently ranked No.8 in Victoria for his birth year, the 11 year-old has fond memories of his early days playing tennis.

“My dad bought me a totem tennis pole and I played with that, and then dad bought me a vertical rebound net,” said Rossjohn.

At the age of six Bevan began coaching with Paul Russell at Lauriston Lawn Tennis Club where he has been ever since.

He now trains there four times a week, as well as with Tennis Victoria’s State Academy at Melbourne Park twice a week.

Tournaments wise, 2011 has been a good year for Bevan, winning the ACT Junior Championships and the Dunlop Tasmanian Indoor Championships, whilst also making the semifinals of the Azzura Junior Classic.

Bevan says his best on court moment to date was winning his first 12/u points tournament at the start of the year.

“The final went on for ages. I lost the first set but then I went on to play a great match,” said Rossjohn of his 3-6 6-3 6-2 win.

Bevan’s dad Jamie is very supportive of his son’s tennis endeavours.

“My thoughts with sport are that I want him to be the best he can be,” said Jamie.

“I’ll be happy if he can say ‘Dad, I gave it my best shot and I’m proud of that’. I just want him to reach his potential, whatever that is and enjoy it.”

Ashley Naumann, Tennis Victoria’s Player Development Manager, said Bevan has made considerable gains with his development over this past year.

“This has been reflected with his recent performances in winning two Optus Junior Tour events which is a good result for him.”