At just 18-years-old Leo Matthysen is the youngest Davis Cup tennis player in South Africa. In January this year he played his fourth Davis Cup tie for South Africa, against Nigeria, at the Groenkloof Tennis Stadium in Pretoria.
Whatever the prestige, for him Mitchell’s Plain is home.
Before him Nik Scholtz, son of WP fullback Calla Scholtz, was the youngest when he made his debut at 19 years old.
“I never played any other sport and focused only on tennis,” Leo said. “I tried playing hockey when I attended Groote Schuur High in Newlands, but found no joy in it. I attended Parkhurst Primary in Mitchell’s Plain and joined the Mitchell’s Plain Tennis Club before joining Anthony Harris Academy and, as the saying goes, the rest is history.”
In the tie in Pretoria Nigeria was unknown to the Davis Cup team, but the team won the tie and he was happy with the result.
Leo is currently ranked 1 342nd on the Association of Tennis Professionals’ (ATP) list in singles and his goal is to reach the top 100.
“I prefer to play singles and doubles. In doubles I don’t have a permanent partner and play with whoever is partnered with me. My role-model is Rafael Nadal. Clay courts are my favourite, although I also play on hard courts.
“I like sliding on clay courts and am confident of my abilities on it. My achievements on courts wherever I play is due to unwavering support.”
According to Leo support from family played a crucial role. “If one’s family, especially one’s parents, is not supportive it is hard on you and can set you back”
The teen dreams of sharing the court with his role-models. “Still on my bucket list is being a professional player and play at Roland Garros in Paris. It would be amazing if Nadal would make a comeback just to take me on in a match…”
His advice to young sportsmen and women is to work hard and to be prepared to make sacrifices. “If you lose your joy for your favourite sport then the sport is not for you.
Although I travel to play tennis on the continent or wherever I have to fulfil my tennis obligations my home is still in Mitchell’s Plain. When I arrive at the tennis club in Westridge I am welcomed with open arms.”
Leo appealed for increased support for disadvantaged youth.
“There are lots of talented sportswomen and men in Mitchell’s Plain but the lack of sponsorship is keeping them back.” He urged young people to keep pursuing their dreams.
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