John Giakoumakis’ ability to come to the net may propel him to superstar status in the tennis world. 87786_02 Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
By ADEM SARICAOGLU
KEILOR Downs tennis ace John Giakoumakis is reaching for the top.
The 17-year-old Maribyrnong College student has been impressive with his results on the court this season, going through undefeated in the men’s grade four winter competition to earn recognition as a Tennis Victoria Pennant Player of the Year award winner.
While it may be just a small step toward a much larger goal, Giakoumakis says this latest achievement is up there among the best of his young career to date.
“It’s good because I wasn’t expecting it,” Giakoumakis said.
“I think it’s pretty good and it’s unique for me because I haven’t won it before and I’m pretty excited.”
Giakoumakis’ coach Marc Sophoulis says the award has come off the back of a lot of hard work.
“He is a very dedicated worker on court and off court in the gym, so it’s probably no secret to say that his results have come through sheer hard work and dedication to training,” Sophoulis said.
“It was pretty much a flawless record in that grade so he’s had a good year and then his tournament results have been quite good as well.”
Giakoumakis achieved a world ranking last year, which he says is his best achievement to date, but the ambitious young man wants to go a lot further than that.
“I’m hoping to take up tennis as possibly a career,” he said.
“What I want to do is after I finish Year 12, I’m hoping to get a scholarship into college in America, and then I’ll study there and finish my studies while I play tennis there.
“After that I’m hoping to try to make it as a professional.”
However, Giakoumakis realises his hard work has really only just begun if he does go down that path.
“I think it’s going to take quite a lot of time and dedication,” he said.
“I think my whole game needs improving, but there’s nothing that you can’t really achieve so if I put my mind to it, I reckon I’ll get there.”
In an era dominated by powerful baseliners, Giakoumakis is somewhat unique as an all-court player with a solid volley.
Sophoulis says if Giakoumakis can utilise those strengths to the best of his ability, anything is possible.
“The sky’s the limit for John,” Sophoulis said.
“He’s got a long way to go in development but as far as he can go, I think it’s totally up to him.
“He has got the ability to do something special and he does have the quality of an elite player.
“I’ve worked with a few top 100 players and I do feel as though that he does have the qualities to be there, but that’s totally up to him.”
