Sibai enjoys sizzling start at the 2023 December Showdown | 4 December, 2023 | All News | News and Features | News and Events

Jizelle Sibai is proving one to watch at this week’s 14-and-under Australian Junior Tour Masters.

The 14-year-old from Sydney is the top seed in the girls’ singles competition and has conceded just four games across her opening two round-robin wins at the December Showdown.

“I’m playing pretty well,” Sibai said after recording a 6-0 6-2 victory today against Victorian Pauline Ma at Melbourne Park.

“I’m moving well and playing my game. Being the No.1 seed is okay. I guess there is a little bit of pressure, but I feel worthy to be the No.1.”

Sibai is looking to improve on the ninth-place finish she recorded in the event at the 2022 December Showdown.

“I struggled, so a year later to be the No.1 seed in the same tournament feels good,” Sibai said.

Last year’s December Showdown was Sibai’s first experience playing in a professional environment with umpires and linespeople. She was originally a reserve, before snaring a last-minute place in the draw.

Since then, the promising athlete was recorded several impressive results.

Sibai was a finalist at the 14/u Australian Junior Grasscourt Championships in January and led New South Wales’ 13-and-under team to victory at the 2023 Australian Teams Championships in June.

She represented Australia in a 14 and under event at Wimbledon in July and then claimed her maiden ITF junior singles title at Fiji during October.

Sibai is now determined to finish a memorable season by clinching the Australian Junior Tour Masters title.

“It would mean a lot and be a good confidence booster,” she said. “I do feel like I’m ready for another step in my journey.”