From 20-month-old child prodigy to teen star: Linkin's remarkable rise

Linkin Rae always seemed destined for tennis stardom after picking up a racquet when he could barely walk and unleashing ground strokes that had bystanders in disbelief. Subscribe now for unlimited access . Login or signup to continue reading All articles from our website & app The digital version of Today's Paper Breaking news alerts direct to your inbox Interactive Crosswords, Sudoku and Trivia All articles from the other regional websites in your area Continue Such were the skills of a 20-month-old Rae, his feats made front page news in the Newcastle Herald on January 21, 2012.

The headline read, 'Toddler nets results in a smashing way', and the story regaled how a pint-sized Rae had taken up the sport of his own volition at 14 months of age and was honing his skills on a daily basis. At the time, he drew a crowd hitting balls in the fan zone at the Sydney International. Rae also caught the eye of Tennis NSW scouts and drew comparisons to a young Tiger Woods hitting golf balls with all the skill of a pro.



Well, for those who caught the story back in 2012 and had ever wondered what became of that talented tennis tot, the Herald can happily report Rae is well on the way to carving out a playing career for himself. While he still retains his trademark long locks, the now Charlestown 14-year-old's skill level has improved dramatically. Rae just capped his strongest season yet by claiming the NSW champion of champions title in Penrith on November 24.

"I don't really remember it but dad has been around tennis most of his life and he was just trying to get my older sister into it and with that I think I just got jealous and I started hitting," Rae told the Herald of his introduction to the sport. Father David reckoned his son was hitting the ball better than most five-year-olds by two years of age, saying he could clear the net from the baseline. This year, Rae has either won or made the final of most state-based tournaments he has entered.

View + 13 Photos From then to now, Charlestown tennis ace Linkin Rae. Pictures by Marina Neil and Brock Perks That included beating his dad in the B Grade Men's semi-finals of the Gloucester Open in October before going on to win the title. "It was very, very not close," Rae laughed.

"That was the very first time I'd ever played him in a competition. We got lots of photos taken before and after." The top 32 in the state qualified for the champion of champions event, held over three days.

"That was the biggest result I've ever had," Rae said. "I ended up getting down there last year but I didn't do overly great. But I saw my mates doing well and I was like, 'I'm taking it out next year'.

And it ended up I did, so that was good." Rae, who trains at Total Tennis Lake Macquarie at Mount Hutton and is in year eight at Central Coast Sports College, Kariong, is now looking to test himself further afield. He is eyeing major tournaments in Brisbane, Melbourne and Darwin in what he hopes will be a break-out year next year but what events he enters will be largely dependent on the cost of interstate travel and competition entry fees.

Rae's ultimate goal is: "World No.1". The Novocastrian is sure to have a great story to tell if his dream comes to fruition.

Share Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Email Copy Renee Valentine Journalist, Newcastle Herald Renee Valentine is a sports journalist with more than 20 years of experience in Newcastle. She is passionate about increasing the visibility of sportswomen in the media. Got a sports story, email Renee at r.

[email protected] Renee Valentine is a sports journalist with more than 20 years of experience in Newcastle.

She is passionate about increasing the visibility of sportswomen in the media. Got a sports story, email Renee at r.valentine@newcastleherald.

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