After winning gold at the Nottingham Learning Disability Regional Tennis Tournament in May and at the Glasgow Learning Disability Regional Tennis Tournament in August it’s been a successful 2015 so far for Ronan Cacace. He is now looking to continue his success at the National Learning Disability Tennis Tournament in October so we spoke to Ronan to find out more about his successful few months, how he got into tennis and his likeness to Roger Federer.
Name Ronan Cacace
Age 17
How did you get into tennis?
I first started hitting about at local tennis courts with a friend around five years ago, and I began to love it. I have not looked back and live and breathe for tennis now.
What do you enjoy most about tennis?
I love everything about the sport, and would play all day and night if I could. I love the skill and shots involved and I love the competition factor of it. I mostly enjoy playing the game and watching my idol Roger Federer, some people say I play like him - if only!
What has been your biggest success in tennis?
Winning a gold medal in the Nottingham Regional Series and also winning gold medals in men’s singles and doubles division 1 at the Scotland Regional Series. My LTA rating has now gone up after winning matches against non-disabled players who are rated above me. I was also selected for the Learning Disability Tennis Development Squad to improve and hopefully get into a higher squad and compete at the World Games for my country. That is my ultimate dream.
What has tennis brought to your life?
I have made lots of new friends and really nice people thanks to playing tennis; it can be hard to make friends for me so this is a real bonus. I feel more confident when I am on court and I seem to feel more myself and less anxious when doing the thing I love. It has brought joy to my life, as well as excitement. Tennis has also brought new opportunities to my life and let me see different places I haven’t visited before. Tennis gives me a goal in life.
What would you say to someone thinking about taking up tennis?
I would say to anyone thinking about playing tennis to definitely pursue it as it helps you to socialise with people and have fun. It gets you out and helps to keep you fit and healthy. You can feel a sense of achievement; you can compete or play just for fun. But I would say if you want to compete and do well then take it up as early as possible, I wish I had as, I would have had tennis in my life for longer.
To find out more about learning disability tennis visit www.ldtennis.org.uk
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