Anna Gray’s journey with the Wayne Christian Girls’ Tennis team has been remarkable. As the number one seed on the team, she has showcased her dedication and talent. Her passion for tennis began at the age of seven when her father, a former high school tennis player, introduced her to the sport. After asking if she would like to play, Anna quickly fell in love with the game. Since then, her father has been her coach, guiding her through her development in the sport.
She told us she prefers playing singles more than doubles because she is more accustomed to it. One of the main reasons she favors singles is that when her opponent scores a point, she is able to focus on self-correction. In contrast, she finds it more challenging to adjust her game during doubles, as it involves not only her performance but also coordinating with her teammate.
Anna Gray shared that her most memorable match this year was against a player from Cape Fear Academy, who also happened to be named Anna and was a freshman. She recalled that her opponent was not very kind during the match, but she made an effort to maintain her composure.
Anna Gray told us that her favorite pre-game meal is quinoa with feta cheese on it. She said it contains a lot of fiber. She said she also drinks a lot of water to stay hydrated during the day.
Before a match, we asked Anna Gray if she likes to get excited with her team or if she prefers to stay by herself. She answered, “I usually do my own thing, but I also enjoy being excited with my friends.” This shows how she has her own way of getting ready for a match while still appreciating the friendship of her teammates.
Anna Gray usually plays on hard courts but she prefers clay courts. She said, “They are better for joints and you can get to the ball easier because you can slide.” We asked Anna Gray if she likes the backhand or forehand better. She told us that she likes backhand, but she prefers working on serves more than strokes.
Her favorite racket brand is Babolat. Although she has experimented with other brands, she finds them less appealing. Additionally, she has a favorite visor that she has cherished since the age of ten.
