Inspired by Australian stars Alex de Minaur and Thanasi Kokkinakis, 15-year-old Illawarra Academy of Sport athlete Tully McCarthy is determined to lift his game to the next level.
As his first year at the academy began in 2024, Tully was thrilled to discover how the programs and training would improve his tennis skills and shape the trajectory of his game.
Tully said he joined the academy “to add another dimension" to his tennis training.
“The testing day was a good start and I am dedicated to the gym sessions twice a week, which are helping me in my strength and conditioning.”
Tennis wasn't always Tully's focus. Growing up in Fairy Meadow, he had a plethora of sports choices – from surfing to soccer to athletics. Essentially, he enjoyed any competition.
“Living in Fairy Meadow close to the beach meant I was a nipper when I was younger, played touch as I could just walk to the touch fields with ease, loved playing soccer for Fernhill and any time I could compete in running events like cross country or athletics, I loved it,” Tully said.
Eventually Tully took up tennis and when the time came to focus on one sport he found the decision an easy one.
“After many years of asking my parents if I could play tennis, they finally put me into lessons with the Illawarra Tennis Academy,” Tully said.
“I had to make the decision when I was 12 turning 13 … Mum and Dad couldn’t keep running me from multiple training sessions for soccer and for tennis and then getting me to both sports on weekends.
“I love soccer but tennis is my passion.”
Tully's admiration of professional tennis greats has fuelled his dedication to the sport.
“Rafa Nadal and Ben Shelton – I'm a leftie and they are both lefties,” Tully said.
“Alex De Minaur and Thanasis Kokkinakis, they are what I aspire to be."
Tully's achievements in 2023 included triumphs in the NSW Regional State League Championships, Twin Towns Junior, Newcastle Autumn Cup, Junior Development Series and South East Regional Matchplay Series events. He also performed well in New Zealand and at the NSW Combined High Schools Boys Tennis Team Championships.
In 2024, Tully would like to test his prowess against the best players in his age group.
Ultimately, his goal is to “continue improving" his game. “Getting some wins against higher ranked players to lift my ranking and maybe do some more big trips overseas or other states in Australia to compete.”
