Singh targets state finals after unbeaten runs in Wagga and Griffith tournaments

Griffith rising tennis star Navair Singh is eyeing the statewide junior championships in Sydney, after winning a recent Wagga tournament and then finishing unbeaten at a school zone trials event in his hometown.

The 11-year-old won the Under 12s Regional Matchplay Series (RMS) event in Wagga earlier this month, beating longtime rival and friend Harry Kohlhagen in the final 6-2.

The RMS is held in rural towns throughout the year, with the top performers representing their region against the best players in the state in the NSW finals in Sydney in November.

In Griffith this week, he played in a schools zonal trial, in which he won all of his pool matches 6-0 before winning two super tiebreaks 10-2 in play-off matches.

His unbeaten run in both tournaments has him on track to again represent Griffith in Sydney, as he did last year.

“I’m so proud of him,” mum Raj Kaur said. “The thing I most like is that he’s cool and calm; he has the same demeanour whether he wins or loses.”

Region caught up with Navair to find out about his recent success, influences, other sporting achievements and why he wants to be a doctor.

Can you tell us about your win in Wagga?

I was lucky enough to win all my pool matches and my play-offs, quarter final, semi-final and final.

There were close matches, but one of my friends who I know can play better had an injured shoulder. I beat Harry Kohlhagen 6-2, but the match was a lot closer than the score indicated; there were a lot of deuces.

What’s your style of play?

I am one of those players who just gets everything back and frustrates my opponent, but when I need to, I can pull the trigger.

I don’t usually come to the net, but I do when needed. My groundstrokes are strong; my forehand is a bit more accurate than my backhand.

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

I sometimes get nervous, but I try to stay calm. I always let go of the previous point and focus on the next one.

Who are your favourite tennis players?

Novak Djokovic for his athleticism and Jannik Sinner because he always stays calm, even if he’s two sets down.

Have any coaches in Griffith helped you with your game?

Definitively. Danny Dossetor, Cheryl Rawle, Megan Polkinghorne and Andrew Noad.

I’m very grateful to them; without them I wouldn’t have improved; they always want me to do my best.

What about your mum?

I’m really thankful for my mum; without her I can’t do anything. I wouldn’t be anywhere near as good in any sport. She always supports me; she also drives me everywhere.

What other sports do you play?

I do swimming, athletics and I play cricket, as a fast bowler. My best figures this season are 2 for 0.

Are you a Jasprit Bumrah-style bowler?

Similar style but not quite as fast.

Do you go for India or Australia?

Australia. I was born here; my mum was born in India.

Who are your favourite cricketers?

I like Virat Kohli; he’s fit and athletic and can single-handedly win matches under pressure. I also like Pat Cummins – he steps up when Australia needs him, not just with the ball but with the bat. If Australia is 7 for 90, he’ll rescue them.

What’s your goal in tennis?

I want to improve my game to keep winning RMS and other tournaments.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I’d like to be a doctor when I grow up – a surgeon, so I can help people when they’re in pain.