10 hours ago
Daania shines on clay in Europe as mum holds fort at home
KUALA LUMPUR: National junior tennis player Daania Hazli has been making solid progress on clay in Egypt and Europe recently.
Daania spent three weeks in Egypt in late April and early May where she reached the singles quarterfinals and doubles semi-finals, with Egyptian partner Jana Youssef, in Dakahlia (ITF J60). She also reached the doubles quarterfinals, with Malak Ismeil (Egypt), in Cairo (J60).
Daania then helped Malaysia achieve a ninth-place finish in the Under-16 Billie Jean King Cup final qualifiers in Kazakhstan late last month. The national squad defeated Indonesia, Uzbekistan and the Philippines in the competition.
Daania, who turns 15 tomorrow (June 24), then underwent a brief training block in Munich before reaching the singles semi-finals at Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic (J30).
She also won the South Bavarian Championships in Germany, saving multiple match points in the under-18 final against German Tamara Ritzinger whom she beat 6-7 (5), 7-6 (4), 10-4.
Hazli Zainuddin, who is Daania's coach and father, said her results have been encouraging considering she has not had much international exposure prior to this.
"To reach the quarter-finals and semi-finals in a J60 is a good result for Daania as she is still adjusting to competing in international competitions," said Hazli when contacted in Germany today (June 23).
"She showed great mental strength and determination to do well on clay, this was especially apparent in the South Bavarian Championship.
"Our goal is to keep giving Daania the exposure she needs and give her the chance to earn more ranking points."
Hazli paid homage to his wife, Alessandra Sarritzu, who has been left to manage the family coaching business back home while he and Daania have been on tour.
"There have definitely been sacrifices made behind the scenes. Daania's mum (Alessandra) has single-handedly kept the family business running which has helped to cover 80 per cent of Daania's expenses," said Hazli.
"This is not just Daania's journey, it is a family mission. Every tournament, every flight and every racquet stringing done is a collective effort.
"With the right financial, technical and emotional support, Daania can become a world-class player.
"This is why we are always hoping for more support. Without consistent funding, even the brightest talents risk being left behind."
Hazli, who is also a former national head coach for Malaysia, is currently with Daania in Bruchkoebel (J100), Germany where she is scheduled to play this week.
