TEN-YEAR-OLD Michaela Stephens proved her mettle and was crowned champion of the girl’s Under-16 category defeating Leah Smyle 5-7, 6-4, 11-9 in the Guardian Life Open Tennis Championships held at the Liguanea Club over the weekend.

“I feel excited and happy because it is not the first time I am beating her. At first I was nervous playing against much bigger opponents, but when I won I gained confidence,” Stephens said.

Speaking about the match Stephens said she gave away some of the points but she was confident going up against her bigger opponent. “I want to be like Serena and Venus (Williams) and make a career out of tennis. I love playing the game,” she said.

In the other categories John Chin defeated Zane Walters 8-7 (11-9) to take the boys 12 and under category. Myles Harrison took the boys Under-14 category with a 6-3, 6-1 win over Damani Cain, while Jacob Bicknell played to a 6-0, 6-2 win over Daniel Hill for the boys 16 and under title.

Meanwhile, Hayley McNair defeated Isabelle Chin 5 (3), 3-6, 15-13 to take the girls 14 and under category.

The Guardian Life Open Junior Tennis Tournament is the second of a three-part series, and the winners in each category received points towards their national ranking.