With a championship title, an undefeated run, and a singles trophy to his name, Year 11 student Ethan Ning has emerged as one of the rising stars of New Zealand’s secondary school tennis scene.

Competing at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Tennis Cup in Hamilton from 24–27 March, Ethan - alongside his doubles partner and friend Eddie Bassett, delivered a flawless performance. The pair didn’t drop a single set across the entire tournament, sweeping every fixture 3-0, including a dominant win over New Plymouth Boys’ High School in the final.

“Standing on the court after that final felt incredible,” Ethan says. “Winning the title for our school, especially alongside one of my good friends, made the moment even more meaningful. All the hard work we’d put in felt worth it.”

Their winning streak was no fluke. The duo’s strong partnership is built on consistency, strategy, and shared experience. According to Ethan, hours of match play and constant communication - before, during and after matches - helped sharpen their tactics and boost confidence.

“Our strength is in how well we understand each other’s game,” he explains. “We always talk things through - what worked, what didn’t - and we back each other throughout.”

This latest success follows Ethan’s win at the Auckland Secondary Schools Tennis Championships where he placed first in the Intermediate (U16) Boys Singles competition - proof of his ability to thrive both as a team player and a solo competitor. While switching between singles and doubles formats could challenge many athletes, Ethan embraces the shift with ease.

“In doubles, Eddie plays really well at the net, which gives me space to stay at the back and play my groundstrokes - that’s where I’m strongest,” he says. “It’s a good dynamic that lets me set up the points from the baseline.”

Ethan’s tennis journey began when he picked up a racquet at the age of five. But it wasn’t until around age 11 that he truly committed to the sport.

“There wasn’t a specific moment or person who pushed me into it - I just remember playing really well one day, and it kind of clicked. I realised how much I loved it and started pushing myself more seriously from then on.”

That drive has earned him a place on the Auckland U17 team, where he will compete in the New Zealand Junior Tennis Championships in April. His goals for the tournament are simple but focused: maintain his level of play, be a strong teammate, and soak up the experience.

“Tournaments like this are a chance to test yourself at a high level. I want to enjoy it and make the most of the opportunity.”

While Ethan’s physical game is sharp, he’s equally attuned to the mental side of the sport. High-pressure points, he says, call for calm, routine, and focus. A breathing technique - something he discovered online - and a simple ritual of tapping his racquet on the fence help him reset during tense moments.

His weekly schedule is a careful balancing act. With around 11 hours of training, plus schoolwork and other commitments, time management is key.

“I usually take Tuesdays and Thursdays off from tennis so I can focus on study and revision. Having a routine really helps me stay on top of everything.”

Before each match, a combination of music and a solid physical warm-up gets him into the right mindset. “It gets the blood pumping and helps me feel ready,” he says.

Ethan is also looking to the future, with ambitions to play Division 1 college tennis in the United States. From there, he’s keeping his options open - whether that leads to a professional career or another path entirely.

Crucial to his development has been the steady support of his family. “My parents have been amazing. Mum’s always there through the tough moments, and Dad keeps me focused and mentally strong. I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”

Away from the court, Ethan enjoys unwinding like any teenager - spending time with friends and playing video games. While not directly related to his tennis, he says these moments of downtime help him stay grounded and maintain a healthy balance.

With talent, humility, and an unwavering work ethic, Ethan Ning is a name we’re likely to hear much more of in the years ahead - both at home and on the international stage.