ELENA BALTACHA FOUNDATION LEGACY CONTINUES TO SHINE THROUGH RISING STARS ALANA AND ALONSO AUSTIN

The legacy of Elena Baltacha continues to inspire the next generation of tennis players, with young talents Alana and Alonso Austin representing the very spirit of determination, passion, and ambition that Elena championed throughout her life and career.

Both Alana and Alonso first experienced tennis through an Elena Baltacha Foundation Free Tennis Road Show at their primary school, Britannia Primary School. These special tennis events are at the heart of the Foundation’s mission: creating opportunities for children to discover tennis, experience the joy of the sport, and understand that tennis can be a pathway filled with possibility.

The Elena Baltacha Foundation Tennis Road Shows provide thousands of primary school pupils with their first introduction to tennis in a fun, accessible, and inspiring environment. For many children, stepping onto a tennis court for the first time through a roadshow is the beginning of a journey they may never have imagined. The sessions help develop confidence, teamwork, coordination, and a love of sport, while opening the door to further opportunities within the tennis community.

For Alana and Alonso, that first introduction became the beginning of a remarkable tennis journey. Their achievements today are shining examples of Elena Baltacha’s lasting legacy and the impact of providing young people with the chance to pick up a racket and discover their potential.

Their success joins the hundreds of primary school pupils who have taken their first steps through the Elena Baltacha Foundation and gone on to join the LTA British Tennis pathway at every level, from local clubs and county representation through to regional and national competition. The pathway has helped young players develop their skills, confidence, and ambition, with five players, including Alana, reaching the incredible achievement of competing for their country as Great Britain Internationals.

At just 11 years old, Alana Amoy Austin is already establishing herself as one of the most exciting young talents in junior tennis. Competing in national tournaments and Tennis Europe events, Alana trains through the Culford School programme, where she continues to develop as a highly competitive athlete.

Currently ranked within the top 15, Alana has already achieved impressive success at a young age. Her recent accomplishments include reaching the semi-finals of a Tennis Europe tournament this year and winning several Under-14 and Under-16 singles titles. She proudly represents the Suffolk County Lawn Tennis Association alongside her twin brother and has earned the honour of competing as a member of the U12 Great Britain Tennis Team.

Balancing elite sport with her academic commitments, Alana is preparing for her transition into high school while maintaining an intensive training schedule of five days per week. Her dedication, discipline, and commitment reflect the qualities required to progress at the highest levels of the sport.

Alana’s ambition is clear: she dreams of becoming the number one tennis player in the world and inspiring others through her dedication and love for tennis.

“Tennis is more than a sport to me; it is part of who I am. It pushes me to work hard, stay focused, and believe in myself. Every time I step on court, I want to grow stronger and get closer to my dream of becoming world number one.”

Her twin brother, Alonso Ace Austin, is also making his mark in junior tennis. A dedicated young competitor, Alonso competes in Grade 3 tournaments and Tennis Europe events, training through Culford School and the ISC Academy development programme, where he continues to strengthen his technical skills, discipline, and competitive mindset.

Alongside his tennis development, Alonso is preparing for his transition into high school while managing the demands of training and competition. He proudly represents the Suffolk County Lawn Tennis Association with his sister and continues to build his experience on court.

Training three days per week, Alonso is committed to steady progress and developing every aspect of his game. His ambition is to become the number one tennis player in the world and compete at the highest professional level.

“Tennis means everything to me. It teaches me discipline, confidence, and how to keep fighting even when things are difficult. I love competing, improving my game, and chasing my dream of becoming world number one.”

Alana and Alonso’s journey highlights exactly why the Elena Baltacha Foundation Tennis Road Shows are so important. By bringing tennis directly into primary schools, the Foundation continues to remove barriers, create opportunities, and inspire children who may otherwise never have discovered the sport.

Elena believed passionately in giving young people the chance to dream big. Today, Alana and Alonso are living proof that a simple introduction to tennis can become the start of something extraordinary.