Paige Hourigan Takes Tips from Venus Williams

Tennis – Kiwis top-ranked tennis player says that being on the same court as Venus Williams was an exciting opportunity as she was the hitting partner for the former World No. 1 player, who is also one of her idols.

Speaking to Newshub, Hourigan, who lost in the qualifying draw at the ASB Classic in Auckland, says, Just to be on court with her, be in her box and be surrounded by her was just wow. You always try to see the negative in what youre doing and be a perfectionist, so you need to always try to see the positive and keep moving forward – no-one can be perfect.

Thats what Ive really got out of it. She just told me that I have a very good serve and to sometimes use the off-pace serve, because serving bombs all the time, people can get used to it – just try to vary it up and put in a slow one every now and then. Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion who is playing her 25th year on the tour as a professional, was also impressed with the young Kiwi player. Shes a gorgeous young lady.

Shes got a lot of power and is serving well, so the skys the limit. Tennis is that kind of sport where you make your own destiny, so I hope her destiny is greatness. Hourigan is currently ranked No. 545 in the world and says that she hopes to crack the Top 200 in the world rankings by the end of the year.

I know its quite a high goal, but I know I can do it with a lot of hard work and determination.