REDONDO BEACH, Calif. – Tennis practice has been cancelled and tennis courts have been closed. So 14-year-old Sidney Cherry is improvising. 

She is getting reps in an empty elementary school parking lot with her mom Melanie.

“My dream is to become a professional tennis player. I’ll shoot for that and if not probably play at a D1 school for tennis,” says Sidney.  

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As if spending all day every day at home with her parents isn’t already enough, Sidney is now leaning on her mom as her trainer. Melanie ran track and field for Syracuse University. With the resume of a D1 athlete, she knows what it takes to make it to the next level. 

She sees a brighter fire in her daughter, “She’s a much more naturally gifted athlete then I ever was.”

Sidney’s ascension was just beginning before she felt her momentum come to a screeching halt. Having just turned 14, this was the first season she could officially build her United States Tennis Association ranking.

 

 

 

It might seem like she’s young and has plenty of time, but in the world of tennis the high school years present a small window. Sidney understands that quarantine is testing her mental strength, just like the game she loves. 

“For tennis, I guess you could say it’s like 10 times more important to be mentally strong than physically,” said Sidney.

So she stays determined. With the game of tennis being more favorable to socially distant interaction, the future of this year’s tournament schedule is uncertain

But if and when play resumes, Sidney Cherry will be ready.