Stevens shining at 2023 18/u Australian Championships | 7 December, 2023 | All News | News and Features | News and Events

Zane Stevens is starring at this week’s 18-and-under Australian Championships, progressing to the semifinals in the boys’ singles and doubles competitions.

The 17-year-old from Queensland posted a commanding 6-2 6-2 singles quarterfinal victory today against Victorian Daniel Jovanovski at Melbourne Park.

“I thought it was the best match I’ve played this tournament,” Stevens said. “He’s got a pretty good serve, so I had to return really well. I feel like I played really smart and didn’t lose focus.”

The 15-year-old Jovanovski won their previous meeting this season, in the semifinals at an ITF J60 tournament on the Gold Coast.

“I was probably the most scared I’ve been this tournament going into this match, because he beat me in straight sets last time,” the third-seeded Stevens admitted.

“But I changed how I played and it paid off.

“I stood back more on the returns and tried to play more aggressive on my serve, as well as switch up where I served. I gave a lot of variety today.”

It is Stevens’ fourth consecutive win this week, keeping his dreams alive of taking out the national championships.

“It means a lot. Last year I lost in the quarterfinals after I served for the match, so it’s good to have another opportunity,” he said.

The Gold Coast talent, who goes into Year 12 next year, names fellow leftie Rafael Nadal as his biggest inspiration.

“In a way, I try to play like him. I like to use a lot of topspin and angle on my forehand,” said Stevens, who is partnering New South Wales’ Boyd Schreiber in the doubles competition.

“He’s also got a really good attitude and I try to do the same.”

Stevens will face another Queenslander, 16-year-old Rohan Hazratwala, in tomorrow’s singles semifinals.