Tennis: Mental fortitude prevails in teen rivalry

Albert Rocard's win yesterday is an affirmation to him that going to Brisbane to grow his game last year was the right move. PHOTO/FILE

They were bosom tennis buddies from the time they attended a primary school of about 30 in Crownthorpe but as Albert Rocard and Andrew Shand got older the sport was always going to pit them against each other.

The build up of that sort of energy was there for all to savour when Rocard beat Shand 6-3, 6-1 in the 18-and-under boys' final of the annual Kennedy Park International Tournament in at the Greendale Tennis club in Taradale, Napier, yesterday afternoon.

"It was quite a heated match out there today because we play each so many times," Rocard said.

"We've known each other for a long time so there's so much fierce rivalry between us," said the 16-year-old who returned home from Brisbane to stamp his supremacy over an opponent he rates highly.

In his assessment, Shand has the physical attributes to blow him off the court on the foundation of a wicked forehand and a backhand, which isn't as lethal as his forehand but as of late doesn't concede as many points.

Add to that a big service game and Rocard knew he had to ensure Shand didn't draw him into a power game.

"I had to have a clear head and a positive mind set," he said.

"I went through unbroken [in serves] through the match so I'm pretty happy."

For Rocard that was a reinforcement of his decision to go to the Pure Tennis Academy in Brisbane a year ago after leaving Napier Boys' High School.

"I knew I had to go somewhere like that if I was going to make something happen so I'm confident it's a good move now."

He is grateful to his "awesome" parents, Anne and Marc Rocard , who invested in his talent knowing the overseas experience would help him bridge the gap with Shand.

The teenager, who has been playing competitive tennis for five years, attends half-day classes at the Clairvaux Mackillop College while honing his skills.

Last year at the Kennedy Park International, Rocard won the 18 singles crown but lost the 16 singles to Shand.

He also won the 18 doubles and 16 doubles with NBHS pupil Adam Winter.

Yesterday Rocard replicated that feat when he won the 16 doubles with new partner Hamish Lee, an old mate who used to train with him.

The pair are hoping to clinch the 18 doubles today.

Rocard arrived in New Zealand on December 2, playing tourneys in Auckland and Hamilton but not breaking into qualifying rounds after coming up against "quality opponents".

He thanked his coach, James Peach, for his tutelage for a year.

"He's an awesome coach, someone who is easy to talk to and learn from and generally hang out with."

Libby Lowry, of Hastings, gave it her all in her first outing in the girls' 10 singles final yesterday but lost 4-0, 4-0 to Abby Ross, of Taranaki.

The 10-year-old from Pukehamoamoa School, thoroughly enjoyed the tourney regardless.

"I'm very excited," said the Year 5 pupil who is the daughter of Bay horse racing trainer Guy Lowry.

They have a tennis court at home where she plays with brothers Sam, 13, and Charlie, 12.

The youngster hopes to one day become a professional player.