Hannah Klugman on a standout junior tennis season & making the step up to the professional game

The 16-year-old’s standout year included the girls’ singles final at Roland Garros, semi-final at the US Open, the quarter-finals at Wimbledon, the Australian Open girls’ doubles final and a fourth place finish at the ITF World Tennis Tour Junior Finals.

Her junior success has also married with impressive performances on the senior tours. She has enjoyed strong results at Lexus British Pro Series events in Roehampton and Aldershot, as well as a tour-level debut at the Lexus Nottingham Open and her first main draw match at Wimbledon.

As the season draws to a close, we caught up with the British teenager to find out more about her year, making the transition to the pro game and life off the tennis court.

How have you found the transition from the junior circuit to pro events this year?

It's definitely tough. I've not played that many pro events yet, but that's kind of transitioning next year – I’m fully moving into seniors.

The environment's different. I've got to play a few of the high-level women's tournaments over grass court season, and there’s a slightly different atmosphere and feel around the events. I'm excited to make that jump and take a step up, kind of back into the big wide world again.

Tell us about your Wimbledon debut this summer – what was that experience like as a young British player?

It was very special. I had a lot of family around me. It’s something I've dreamed about growing up because I’ve always lived in Wimbledon, so it's extremely close to my heart.

It was definitely surreal as well, playing someone like Leylah Fernandez with a big crowd, big court - it's the biggest stage I’ve played on so far.

And then the junior event – it’s great because you're still on the match courts and around Aorangi (the practice site), which means you’re actually around the top pros. You see Carlos (Alcaraz) walk around you, you feel a sense of aura.

On speaking of junior ground slams, you became the first Brit in almost 50 years to reach Roland Garros junior singles final. What did that run mean to you? 


Again, it was really special.

I love playing on clay. I did a big block leading up to the event and it paid off. Those are the kind of moments (the final) to play for. When all the training and the long days and extra reps make the extra bit of difference.

It was a surreal moment, walking out onto that, amazing court in a final of a Junior Slam, and a great stepping stone on the journey.

You’ve spent a bit of time training at the Rafael Nadal Academy – did he have any words of wisdom for you?

I was so surprised he actually said a lot! We were speaking to him, and he was so lovely. He was my idol growing up as well, so I loved him.

He just spoke to me and was emphasizing that once you have the level, it will come, don't rush it or focus too much on results. It's tough when you've got a lot of players around you, and they're doing amazing, but if you're not where you want to be, just relax, keep working hard every day and trust the process. Once your level is there, everything will happen. 


How exciting to be a part of an exciting group of young female players with Mimi (Xu) and Mika (Stojsavljevic) also having strong success?

There’s a few of us who are doing really well right now – you know, Mimi, Mika. I think we also push each other. I think, when one of us does well, it kind of pushes the others to work harder.

We’re around each other here at the National Tennis Centre, so seeing them work hard, makes you want to work harder.

We definitely have a friendly rivalry as well. I think that's healthy. Hopefully we can all push and do well.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself, both on and off the court? You know, how would you describe your game to those who might not have watched you play? 


I think I'm quite different on and off the court. On court, I try and play with a lot of variety. I’m definitely very fiery but I do have fun. Off-court I’m more bubbly and loud.

How do you find balancing school with tennis and what are your off-court hobbies?

Don’t ask! HAHA.

I just finished my GCSEs, which I found tough from a time management perspective. But I understand it's needed and enjoy having something to take my mind away from the sport as well.

Also, I really enjoy learning new things – so that’s good.

Off-court I love spending time with my friends and family. I'm very sociable. I’m travelling away from home a lot, so it's nice just being at home, whenever I can, just spending time with them.