Busy year ahead for top Jr netter

Back in form, top junior player AJ Lim is looking forward to another fruitful campaign when he joins a couple of high-level International Tennis Federation tournaments next month as part of preparations for the coming Australian Open.

Lim, 15, has recovered from a groin strain that sidelined him for almost three months and is now fully motivated to compete against some of the world’s elite players.

He fell short in his bid to win a major event recently, losing to many-time PCA champion Johnny Arcilla in four sets. It was enough, however, to boost his confidence in his bid to earn points so that he can play in the first Grand Slam event of the year.

First in his schedule is the India ITF Junior 1 in Chandigarh on Jan. 5 to 15 followed by the Delhi ITF Juniors in New Delhi on Jan. 12 to 17.

He is also lined up to compete in the Sri Lanka F1 Futures, a $10,000 men’s tournament slated in Colombo on Feb. 2-8.

“My hitting is good, my strength is back,” said Lim. “Hopefully, I’ll do well in India and Colombo.”

He advanced to the finals of the La Consolacion tournament by beating men’s No. 1 PJ Tierro, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (4).

His other victims were Marc Reyes in the quarters (6-3, 6-3) and Elbert Anasta, 6-2, 3-6, 6-4.

Lim has only competed in five ITF junior tournaments this year, winning one in Beijing, China.

He plans to compete in men’s events next year to gain more experience.