19 October 2012 | Tennis Victoria

Annabelle Andrinopoulos (Hughesdale) is heading into the brand new Asia-Pacific Tennis League (ATL) competition with some sparkling form behind her.

Consecutive semi-final appearances at the Sydney Junior International ITF and the NSW Junior International ITF have put Andrinopoulos’ opponents on notice when the ATL kicks off on November 11.

The sixteen-year-old said she enjoys using an attacking game which is a similar style to her idol, four-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova.

“I am quite tall like her and I like to be aggressive and hit the ball big like she does,” said Andrinopoulos.

“I really like her game and I think I play similar to her.”

Andrinopoulos, the third-ranked player in Victoria for the 1996 birth year, will form an integral part of the Waverley Warriors, one of five women’s teams competing in the ATL-Vic Conference.

Waverley will play for the chance to compete in the ATL Playoffs to be held at Melbourne Park during Australian Open 2013.

National Academy Coach Craig Tyzzer said Andrinopoulos still had areas of her game where she could improve.

“We are working hard on improving her footwork and agility and continuing to improve her backhand.”

Andrinopoulos added the pair was working on developing her serve to become a major weapon.

Along with the ATL, there are a number of tournaments on the horizon for the talented Victorian.

“I am playing the Pro Circuits in Traralgon and Bendigo, and then the Bendigo Showdown, which is the 16s and 18s Nationals.”

“I am really hoping to do well there.”

Read more about the ATL here.