A 13-year-old Canadian netizen girl has won the national championship for three consecutive times, which is really amazing! Her name is Isabella Ruyu Yan. She was born in September 2011 and comes from Regina, Saskatchewan.

Yan at the age of 11 Image source: Regina Leader-Post

In these three national championships, she won the U12 champion in 2023, the U14 champion in 2024, and the recent U16 national champion. She successfully defeated opponents who were two years older and physically larger than her.

Yan, the U14 champion in 2024 Image source: tennissask

"Winning the U16 national championship is just incredible," Yan said after returning to Lakeshore Tennis Club. "I never thought I could win a national championship, but when I hit the last ball, it felt great. I love that feeling of victory."

When asked if she ever felt intimidated facing bigger opponents, she didn't know how to answer.

She laughed and said, "Most opponents are afraid of me because I'm short and small."

Her coach and father said that in Saskatchewan, whether adults or children, there are no competitors who can put pressure on her.

Yan won the U12 doubles champion and singles runner-up in 2022 Image source: tennissask

Yan's parents are perhaps her most loyal fans. Her father, Sam Zhao, described his daughter as his little sweetheart and expressed amazement at her destructive power on the court.

"Every time she sees the ball coming, she wants to hit it hard," he said.

Since Yan started playing tennis at the age of seven, Zhao has been committed to helping her realize her potential. He works two jobs, assisting with transportation and driving trucks, to subsidize her training and competition costs.

Zhao said, "There must be sacrifices somewhere."

Yan's parents expressed their gratitude to coach Marek Nehasil and said that without him, Yan would not have achieved what she has today.

Coach and Yan Image source: tennissask

Nehasil said that although Yan needs to make some improvements in competitions, what she truly needs is to participate in international competitions. This will allow her to earn points from the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and advance to higher-level competitions.

"She is a very dedicated player... I hope she can continue this dedication," Nehasil said.

"She is the one. I firmly believe this in my heart," he said. "This young lady, I assure you, you will see her on national television in less than three years."

Regarding her father's sacrifices, Yan expressed deep gratitude.

"Without him, I definitely wouldn't have achieved what I have now. He has accompanied me through all my ups and downs," Yan said. "I am really grateful to him."

When describing the sport of tennis, Yan compared it to using a fly swatter. She waved her hand, imagining holding the racket, trying to come up with an appropriate metaphor.

"It's like hitting flies."

Hope this young tennis prodigy continues to achieve better results. Go for it!

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7503355095401251343/

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