'It is so easy for people to belittle children and our dreams' | ITF
Article 19 Apr 2023

'It is so easy for people to belittle children and our dreams'

Ross McLean

19 Apr 2023

Casting an eye over the website of talented American teenager Clervie Ngounoue, it is hard to conclude anything other than she is an incredibly mature, together and cultured individual. But, then again, she always has been.

Even as far back as the 2019 ITF World Junior Tennis Finals when Ngounoue was just 13, she stood out among of a sea of accomplished players from around the globe due, in no small part, to her awareness of the world around her.

She handled herself incredibly well and was seemingly at home in any company, regardless of age, position or background, with a spark and poise that belied her years.

Fast forward to 2022 and when the ITF were looking to produce a behind-the-scenes video at the Billie Jean King Cup Juniors Finals in Antalya, Türkiye, following a United States team featuring Ngounoue seemed a logical option.

Together with teammates Iva Jovic and Valerie Glozman as well as captain Lori Riffice, she did not disappoint. All the traits that were on show in 2019 were still visible, just heightened and more refined.

Her website mirrors how Ngounoue presents herself, and it is fair to say that not many teenagers would have sections such as ‘what I stand for’, ‘my purpose’ and ‘my values’. Even at such a fledgling stage of her career, being a role model is very much a priority.

“Inspiring others is what mainly drove me growing up,” Ngounoue tells itftennis.com. “I wanted to see and hear others say that they kept pushing themselves or started because of me.

“I wanted to be a beacon for younger kids and a motivation for more. It is so easy for people to belittle children and our dreams. I just wanted a kid to look at me and see that I was once exactly like them, that we’re not all as different as we make ourselves out to be.”

Any altruistic qualities have not been to the detriment of her own development, however, and last month Ngounoue claimed back-to-back singles and doubles titles at J300 Indian Wells and J300 San Diego – her first junior events of 2023.

Born in Washington D.C. to Cameroonian parents, she is now ranked a career-high No. 6 in the ITF World Tennis Tour girls’ standings, which follows a stellar end to the 2022 campaign.

Already a Junior Grand Slam doubles champion following her heroics at the 2022 Australian Open alongside Diana Shnaider, Ngounoue spearheaded the USA’s triumph at the Billie Jean King Cup Juniors Finals in November.

She then claimed the biggest title of her career at J500 Merida – J500 being the highest classification of event on the ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors calendar – before reaching the final at the prestigious Orange Bowl.

Throughout this period, Ngounoue has been building her experience within the professional game and last month reached the final at W25 Spring in Texas having made the final at W25 Austin in October. In short, an extremely positive career trajectory.

“I keep practising hard to improve my game and I have had pretty good results in the last couple of tournaments, even though that is only a step in my career,” said Ngounoue, who now resides in Orlando, Florida.

“The goal for this year is to keep working hard and improve my game, which is already happening with Jermaine [Jenkins, USTA National Coach], as I want to move up the rankings quickly. God is guiding me on my journey.”

Only last week, Ngounoue was invited to Delray Beach as a hitting partner for the United States team ahead of their Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Qualifier against Austria, which they won to seal their place at the 2023 Finals.

Unfortunately, injury prevented her from practising with the likes of Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula in the unique setting of a Billie Jean King Cup tie, although she remained around the team for the entire week.

“I was already lucky enough to be able to train alongside professional players at the USTA and at the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy, so I can see what they are doing and what makes them successful,” added Ngounoue.

“I also see them during Grand Slams: how they are getting ready and how they prepare for matches. But playing Billie Jean King Cup is different. You are playing for your country, wearing the national jersey and playing as a team.”

Of course, Ngounoue has experience of triumphing in national team colours after playing a pivotal role in the USA’s victory march at the 2022 Billie Jean King Cup Finals where, in truth, she was in irresistible form.

Within minutes of their victory, Kathy Rinaldi, captain of USA’s Billie Jean King Cup team, and Taylor Townsend were on the phone from Glasgow, where the 2022 Finals were being held, passing on their congratulations.

Not only did this demonstrate the unity within the United States camp but also how highly Ngounoue and her teammates are regarded. The fact that Ngounoue was invited to be a hitting partner for the senior national team only months later speaks volumes.

“It was a big opportunity to learn from some of the best players in the world and I was determined to use the experience to keep improving my game,” she said.

“The Billie Jean King Cup Juniors win gave me lots of confidence, which is super important in my game. Playing and winning with the US team, this has motivated me more to keep pushing and hopefully one qualify for the Billie Jean King Cup.”

Much hard work may well lie ahead if this goal is to be realised but, in fairness, many things are often closer than they may at first appear.

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