Pawsome! Aussie animal-lover Preston makes early Wimbledon impression
Moments before a chance meeting with 12-time Grand Slam doubles champion Mark Woodforde outside the Wimbledon media centre, fellow Australian Taylah Preston revealed that at one stage she had 13 pets.
A lot of people head to Grand Slams to witness scintillating tennis and, where juniors are concerned, catch a glimpse of rising stars who may one day develop into something special.
It is also an opportunity to ask a few questions about the personality and character of individuals and find out about the person behind the player. There is a danger otherwise that the only point of reference is a list of that particular player’s results.
Sometimes there is a big story to be unearthed, on other occasions it is a mere titbit which may or may not inform a wider storyline. In this instance, when quizzed Preston was quick to mention the number of animals her family once had back home in Perth.
“At one stage I had 13 pets – two dogs, two rabbits, two rats and seven birds – although I now only have six pets,” Preston, who is a wild card entry at the 2023 Junior Championships, Wimbledon tells itftennis.com. “I just love animals, we’re an animal-loving family.”
On a serious note, Preston is one to watch at this year's Junior Championships and safely navigated her first-round match against Theadora Rabman of the United States, winning 6-1 7-6(2).
The 17-year-old has prioritised professional events so far in 2023, with this only her second junior event of the season, having reached the quarter-finals at J300 Roehampton last week where she succumbed to Czech Republic’s Tereza Valentova.
Preston, who competed at last year’s Junior Championships but lost in the second round, has risen to No. 420 in the WTA Rankings and in May sealed her maiden professional title at M25 Monastir.
“Wimbledon is Wimbledon,” added Preston, who reached a career-high junior ranking of No. 10 in the world in September 2022. “It is an amazing tournament and the highest tournament you can play in tennis. That is the main reason why I am here.
“I haven’t really played juniors this year. I have focused on my pro ranking and trying to improve that, which has been going pretty well. We just decided to play Wimby and it’s great to be here.
The last Australian girl to top the podium at the Junior Championships, Wimbledon was Ashleigh Barty in 2011, although most observers of junior tennis would suggest Preston has the credentials to follow in the footsteps of the three-time Grand Slam champion.
“To win a Junior Grand Slam and to win here would be amazing, but I am trying not to put too much pressure on myself and just enjoy every second on court,” she said. "What will happen, will happen.
“It is great that I can play in the next round and hopefully improve on a few things from today’s match, but it’s a good first match to feel the environment and atmosphere, as well as get a feel of the courts. I am excited for the next round.”
Preston may get the chance to exact revenge for that quarter-final defeat against Valentova at J300 Roehampton with the Czech, who is seeded No. 10 here, a potential opponent. Valentova faces Great Britain’s Hannah Read in the first round with the victor going head-to-head with Preston.
A full list of results from the 2023 Junior Championships, Wimbledon is available here.