Albury tennis prodigy to travel to United States to train at prestigious academy

Albury tennis sensation Lara Meagher, 15, will take another step in her sporting career by moving to the United States for a month to train at the prestigious Raleigh Tennis Association academy in North Carolina.

Lara is the granddaughter of legendary coach Phil Shanahan and great-grand-niece of Albury’s Margaret Court, who has won more Grand Slam titles than any other player in tennis history.

Over the past two years she achieved a string of tournament successes. At the weekend, she won the A-grade women’s singles title at the annual Wodonga Labour Day tournament, where she was also runner up in the Opens women’s doubles and mixed doubles.

Lara will now get to take her game to the next level under the guidance of Raleigh’s William O’Connell, a former Davis Cup player and coach of the Fijian team, who plied his trade at Albury’s Margaret Court Tennis Academy.

Region caught up with Lara a few days before her departure to learn more about her big trip, style of play, role models, how she handles pressure and her career dream.

How did this opportunity to go to North Carolina come about?

Will O’Connell is a good friend of the family. He asked if I’d like to go and look around America and hit around the colleges.

You’re already surrounded by some of the world’s best coaches in Albury. Why go to America?

I’ll be able to test what my level is really like against the best over there.

I will get to learn how to hit with other top girls in America and I can work on my footwork, do lots of training and compete in some tournaments.

How do you feel about going overseas by yourself at age 15?

It’s a little scary but I’m super excited.

Has the great Margaret Court had any influence on your tennis career?

She doesn’t live in Albury anymore, but I call her sometimes and she gives me tips. She encourages me to keep going with my tennis and to work hard.

Who are your local role models?

My pop Phil Shanahan and my dad Cameron are both great coaches. I’m also inspired by doubles partner Phoebe [Godward Smith].

I’ve also played doubles with Natalie Grandin, a coach at our academy who was once ranked 22 in the world in women’s doubles.

What are your strengths in your game?

My backhand and I go for the serve-volley a lot.

You seem to win a lot of big matches. How do you handle pressure points and close tiebreaks?

I do get nervous but I make sure I get everything in by using topspin. I don’t go for too much and make sure I hit my spots and keep it in play. Regardless of the score, I always play the same way and try and hit with as much topspin as possible.

Who are your favourite players?

I love Rafael Nadal but also Tommy Paul, he’s a lot of fun to watch.

What would be your ultimate dream in tennis?

I’d love to play at Wimbledon.