19 January 2012 | Tennis Victoria

If family history is anything to go by, Gabriela Ruffels has an exciting future ahead of her.

With her mum AnnaMaria having played on the women’s tour, and her dad Ray having representing Australia in Davis Cup (1968-1970, 1977), Gabriela is working toward following in her parents’ footsteps.

“I want to be the best that I can be and try to make the professional circuit,” said Gabriela.

Although she grew up playing soccer, golf and tennis from about two years of age, Gabriela has developed a love for tennis.

“I love the competition and playing tournaments and matches and just having fun,” she said.

Ranked No.2 in Victoria and No.6 in Australia for her birth year, Gabriela has been in fine form recently, winning four 12/u singles tournaments in the past four months – the Victorian Junior Hardcourt Championships, the Hudson Bond Manningham Championship, the Victorian Junior Grasscourt Championship and the Australia Post Margaret Court Cup.

She says winning the Victorian Junior Grasscourt Championships was her best moment on court to date.

“It was two tournaments in a row and it was a big achievement for me,” said Gabriela.

Currently training five or six days a week, and playing tournaments when she can, Gabriela has her sights set on a big 2012.

“I’d like to make the National Academy in Victoria and get to the quarterfinals of a nationals.”

Gabriela names Kim Clijsters as her favourite player.

“I like her attitude and her strokes and the way she plays.”

As for her own game, Gabriela describes herself as an aggressive player who comes to the net when she can.