Meet Isabel Cairns, a 14-year-old Victorian with ambitions to play on the big stage.
Melbourne, Vic, 8 August 2025 | Jack Larkin
Isabel Cairns is one of the smartest young stars in Australia.
The 14-year-old recently represented Victoria in the 15/h Girls Australian teams Championships after relocating the ACT, and is currently competing on the European tour Together with 38 other young Australians.
In our series, the most promising Junior players from Australia profiles, Cairns describes its ambition to be part of the American College system.
She also wants to emulate the attacking baseline style of Elena Rybakina.
Tennis.com.au: How did you get to tennis?
Isabel Cairns: I started playing hot shots in my local club for the first time when I lived in Canberra, and I just fell in love with sport.
Who is your favorite player?
My favorite player is probably Elena Rybakina at the moment. She can attack from the baseline, and that is just something that I have always wanted to do as a tennis player.
What is the best advice you have received?
I just go outside to do my best, regardless of whether I win or lose, just play my game 100 percent of the time, because that just makes me a better player.
How does it feel to represent your state?
It feels great to be able to represent Victoria. I just moved here, so it’s really nice to get to know some girls and to form a number of new relationships that I had never had before.
Did you move to Victoria because of tennis?
Yes, I moved because of tennis, only the training, being able to play matches every weekend, play new girls and just experience new things.
What do you like about tennis?
I like the competitive side of tennis. I like to be on the field, just fight until the end. The game is not over to the last point, and that is what I like about tennis.
What is your favorite memory of the tennis court?
My favorite memory is probably winning my first ITF [junior] Doubles Title with my friend [Musemma Cilek] Back in Victoria [in Mornington]And that was just a very healthy moment for me, and I had to enjoy it too.
What is your tennis goal in the long term?
I absolutely want to go to university and do tennis in the US, and hopefully hopefully go on the Pro tour and play a number of Grand Slams.
Does that also come from an educational perspective?
Yes, also training. I want to study, become a lawyer and do things like that, so I have a diploma. But also being able to be in that team atmosphere at the university.
Find your way to play: Visit To hit the field and to have some fun!
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