Article added: Friday 13 September 2024

By Jordan Sing

The whistle blows – full time.

Rosalie Pollyn strips off her shinpads and heads from the football pitch to the tennis court. It’s match time for the multi-talented athlete, still in her footy kit.

Although she’s played football her “whole life” it’s just a hobby. Tennis is her true sport.

Rosalie celebrated her 13th birthday on Monday – the same day she won her first tennis match and two football games at the Zespri AIMS Games in Tauranga.

The Saint Kentigern College pupil has since won the girls tennis outright and her team won silver in the girls football.

“I’m proud of all the things I’ve achieved at such a young age,” Rosalie said.

This is Rosalie’s first time at the AIMS Games. Her school has sent 18 teams, including five other tennis players. 

Rosalie’s tennis career has already seen the teenager represent New Zealand in the 14 & under age-group at the ITF World Junior Tennis Competition in Malaysia back in March.

She’s played in tournaments in Australia before, but had never been to Malaysia. Her proud mum, Nele, described the Malaysia trip as “quite special since she was only 12 and it’s a very high level tournament”.

Rosalie began playing tennis after watching her brother playing with dad.

“I’d say I already am better than dad, but I don't think he wants to believe it.”

Rosalie moved to New Zealand from Belgium when she was 2 years old and compares the tennis courts whenever she travels back. She’s found the rust-coloured red clay courts of Europe to be far “more flexible” than the hard courts here.

“What I find so remarkable about Rosalie is her resilience,” Nele said.

“A loss is not the end of the world,” Rosalie encouraged other athletes – not that she’s lost a tennis match at AIMS this year. 

Rosalie’s idol is professional tennis player Novak Djokovic. “He’s so calm and I like the way he dominates tennis.”

Rosalie is aiming for college in the United States where she hopes to progress her tennis. 

“I definitely do want to take it far,” she said.

So hold on tight, Rosalie’s rally is just getting started.