Provincial tennis success for Merensky brothers in Limpopo | Letaba Herald

LIMPOPO – Tennis has become a central part of the lives of Merensky Agricultural Academy brothers Eddie and Willem Mostert, who first picked up racquets at the ages of eight and 10 after deciding to try something new.

Although they started slightly later than many young players, tennis quickly became a passion.

Since then, the Mostert brothers have dedicated countless hours to practicing and improving their game.

Representing Limpopo provincially

Their hard work paid off in 2024, when both brothers represented Limpopo for the first time, an experience they describe as both exciting and eye-opening.

“That motivated us to practice even harder and take the sport more seriously.”

Competing against some of the country’s strongest young players proved to be a valuable learning experience.

The brothers managed to win several games against top competitors while also discovering the level of commitment required to succeed in competitive tennis.

“We realised that we can fight for every point and take on every challenge,” they said.

Complementary playing styles and sibling rivalry

While the brothers share a love for aggressive tennis, their playing styles differ slightly.

Eddie focuses on mastering the fundamentals, with his groundstrokes, especially his backhand, being a major strength.

Willem, on the other hand, enjoys experimenting with creative shots and has developed a strong serve and quick volleys.

Practicing together has also helped them develop their skills and push each other to improve.

“Some of our best practice sessions are against each other. We also play our most heated matches against each other,” they said.

Watching each other compete at tournaments is another source of motivation.

“We support each other, cheer each other on, and can give advice because we know each other’s playing style so well.”

Family support and inspirations

The brothers also credit their parents for supporting their sporting journey and encouraging them to pursue their passions.

Their mother, Mathilda Mostert, says both boys are incredibly dedicated and versatile.

“They are very versatile boys,” she said.

“Willem is a provincial hockey, cricket, and tennis player, while Eddie was the best national unprepared speaker for two years in a row and also previously played provincial hockey.”

Eddie draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic, admiring his determination, longevity, and continued grit despite competing against younger players.

Willem looks up to Casper Ruud for his calm demeanor and clean playing style.