The Sunday Mail
THE ITF Zimbabwe Futures that start in Harare next week will mark the beginning of the future for a young man of who knew what he wanted in life when he was just 10.
Courtney Lock is about to take the first step as a professional tennis player.
The 21-year-old recently completed his college tennis career on a high but admits the next chapter will not be an easy one.
Lock graduated from the University of Nevada in Las Vegas with a Bachelor of Science in Business Finance degree and capped off his college tennis career by being named in the All-Conference team.
“The four years of college were instrumental in the development on my game,” said Lock.
“I got a lot stronger physically and mentally, dealing with the pressure. Playing for a team of ten other guys and not just yourself was something that also taught me a lot.
“I was very happy with the way I finished I achieved a lot of my goals I set for my senior year and so I am happy the way it ended.”
Lock’s professional journey begins on home court in the three ITF Zimbabwe Futures that start on May 28.
And the lad says this is what he has always wanted!
“I have known that I want to play pro tennis since I was 10 years old. But I knew that I needed to get my degree first,” said the former University of Louisville student.
“I am very excited. I don’t have school to worry about anymore and can now solely put my focus on my body and mind to accelerate my game in the best way I can. It’s time to get the tennis career going.”
Lock has bitter memories of playing ITF Futures at home.
“I have lost three finals in doubles in Zim so I would love to get a title there. “And then probably to get as many singles points as I can back, which I lost last year due to injury.
“It might take a little bit of time to adjust to playing pro full time but I am 100% sure this is what I want to be doing,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lock’s elder brother Ben — who has been a pro for almost two years now — expects his sibling to successfully negotiate the step up.
“Courtney is determined and at this level that is a massive plus,” said Ben.
