The next is considered one of a number of spotlights being revealed by Tennis Canada this month as a part of its Victory can be HERS fundraising marketing campaign. They inform the tales of 5 inspirational ladies for whom tennis has performed a significant position and contributed in direction of victories of their private {and professional} lives.
At this time, we give attention to Frederique’s story. By supporting Tennis Canada’s Recreation. Set. Fairness. initiative, you can also make an actual distinction within the lives of girls and ladies, each on and off the courtroom. Donate right this moment.
Frédérique Bérubé Perron’s exceptional rise on the Canadian wheelchair tennis scene started simply a few years in the past. That’s exhausting to think about, given she’s now one of many foremost up-and-coming participant within the nation and the world.
READ: “Tennis modified the course of my life” – Vyshnave Sivasankar
Her story is considered one of success by perseverance, towards the chances. Born with a congenital malformation that led to the amputation of her leg as an toddler, Frédérique has by no means let challenges outline her. As a substitute, she has used tennis as a device to rewrite her story and encourage others.
Like many others, the game has deeply impacted her life. On the courtroom, she’s a nationwide champion and aspiring Paralympian. Off it, she’s gained resilience and confidence, although stays supremely humble.
“My amputation by no means restrained me from doing something. And, in truth, wheelchair tennis actually helped me settle for my amputation and never worry exhibiting it.”
– Frédérique Bérubé Perron
Frédérique grew up taking part in a number of sports activities, together with basketball, hockey and karate. Her favorite was soccer, which she performed competitively in addition to with buddies. Nevertheless, when she was 12, her congenital challenges introduced one other robust choice; reconstructive surgical procedure on her ear would deliver an finish to her participation in any contact sports activities.
It was a selection she made with a heavy coronary heart however one she seems to be again on as a turning level in her life for the proper causes. “If I had chosen to not do the surgical procedure, I might have perhaps by no means discovered tennis,” she stated. “I’m actually glad that it occurred.”
After the process, Frédérique started the seek for her new sporting ardour. Her mother steered she attempt tennis at their native membership. On the time, Frédérique – who wears a prosthetic – was unaware that wheelchair tennis was an possibility however nonetheless totally loved and excelled on the able-bodied model of the game.
“I had my first follow, and I used to be like ‘oh, that’s my sport’. I beloved it a lot and wished to proceed. I began by enjoying standup tennis as a result of I didn’t know I might play wheelchair tennis. I knew it existed, however didn’t know prefer it was accessible for me.”
That modified in the summertime of 2022. Sooner or later at follow, Frédérique’s coach requested for volunteers for ball children at a event happening the subsequent day at their membership. She raised her hand and turned as much as discover it was a wheelchair tennis occasion, which had moved from its supposed outside venue resulting from forecasted rain.
“Once I went on-court to have the coaching session for the ball children, I used to be sporting shorts and so you might see my prosthetic,” she stated. Additionally on the occasion was Canadian wheelchair tennis participant, Barry Henderson. When he seen Frédérique, the 2 received speaking about their frequent experiences as amputees and Barry satisfied her to attempt her hand on the sport.
READ: Tennis conjures up victories in Natasha Irani’s private life and company profession
Shortly after that dialog, Barry launched Frédérique to Kai Schrameyer, Tennis Canada’s Nationwide Coach of Wheelchair Tennis. The remainder is historical past… “I spoke with Kai and had a bit coaching session. I attempted wheelchair tennis for the primary time in June 2022, and I fully fell in love with the game.”
Inside weeks, she was enjoying ITF tournaments and, earlier than lengthy, gained a popularity as a promising participant on the tour. Quick ahead a few quick years and Frédérique is already dwelling as much as the hype. In 2024 alone, she received the Birmingham Nationals, Canada’s wheelchair tennis nationwide championships, and her first ITF Futures event in Vancouver.
Her largest victory, although, was changing into the primary Canadian in historical past to qualify for a junior Grand Slam in wheelchair tennis on the US Open. It was a aim that took dedication, focus and endurance, making it all-the-more satisfying as soon as it was achieved.
“It was an unbelievable expertise,” she stated. “I labored actually exhausting, performed a whole lot of tournaments. And after I acquired the acceptance checklist and I lastly knew that I received in, I used to be so, so glad. This stress that was there all 12 months, simply disappeared. Going there was like a dream coming true.” In New York, she reached the semi-finals, shedding solely to the eventual champion, Japan’s Yuma Takamuro.
Wanting forward, Frédérique has lofty ambitions which embody qualifying for Los Angeles 2028 and to in the future win a Paralympic medal. However, she’s additionally aware of the position she has to play off the courtroom, as a girl in wheelchair tennis who has the flexibility to encourage others to attempt the game or change into a fan.
“It’s sort of unreal pondering that I is usually a position mannequin to some ladies and ladies. I hope if individuals see my story, they’re going to start out excited about wheelchair tennis and play and even simply watch it.”
READ: Carson Branstine’s Tennis Quest has been a Journey of Self-Discovery
As a part of its wheelchair tennis program, Tennis Canada just lately unveiled the Wheelchair Tennis Entire Participant Improvement Pathway (WTWPDP), which gives suggestions to information participant growth at every stage and foster a lifelong ardour for wheelchair tennis. It’s an initiative Frédérique can be essential within the sport’s growth.
“Due to Tennis Canada as a result of they’re actually useful for growing wheelchair tennis, together with the brand new program [the WTWPDP] that went out just lately. I hope that’s going to assist attain a number of gamers as a result of we don’t have sufficient proper now.”
Your help helps ladies overcome limitations and obtain victories on and off the courtroom. Be part of us right this moment in making a extra equitable future in tennis. Frédérique is proof of what’s doable after we spend money on applications that empower ladies and ladies in tennis. Her journey conjures up us to dream larger and work tougher towards an equitable future within the sport. Donate right this moment.
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