The ACT 11-and-under girls team (Celeste Rubiano, Alicia Yang, Billie Zeng) with coach Nathan Price, winners of the Australian Teams Championship on the Gold Coast. Photo: Supplied.
The ACT has produced several quality female tennis players over the years.
Annabel Elwood reached a world ranking of 57 in 1997 before retiring at the age of 24 in 2002.
Other female players of note include Alison Bai and Rebecca Bryant, while in the seniors and masters, Alison Ide and Ros Balodis have been successful.
Now the next generation of potential stars is upon us, with the ACT 11-and-under girls team winning the Australian Teams Championship on the Gold Coast.
The team of Celeste Rubiano, Alicia Yang and Billie Zeng went through the tournament undefeated, accounting for NSW in the final.
ACT 11/u Girls, Celeste Rubiano during the Trophy Presentation at the Australian Teams Championships. Photo: Tennis Australia/Dylan Parker.
It’s the first time the ACT has won the Australian Teams Championship in 32 years and only the second in the history of ACT tennis. The only time before now was in 1994, which shows just how hard it is to win the title.
Adding to the lustre of the win has been the selection of Rubiano in Tennis Australia’s 2026 12-and-under Gold European Tour to Hungary and Serbia this month.
Tennis ACT Talent Development manager Nathan Price said the victory on the Gold Coast reflects the effectiveness of Canberra’s development pathway.
“The girls should be incredibly proud of what they achieved on the Gold Coast. Winning a national title for the ACT is a fantastic reward for their hard work, and Celeste’s selection for the European tour recognises the season she has put together.”
ACT 11/u girls, Celeste Rubiano and Alicia Yang at the Australian Teams Championships. Photo: Tennis Australia/Dylan Parker.
Celeste’s success includes the Australian Claycourt Doubles title and a quarter-final appearance in the National Claycourt singles championship.
She is currently ranked number two in Australia for her age group.
Obviously, there are many years to come in the tennis careers of all three members of the ACT Girls 11-and-under team.
But the victory definitely illustrates the importance of a strong pathway system.
In that regard, Tennis ACT is obviously doing plenty right.