The high-achieving Berwick Secondary College VCE student may do her best work on the tennis court, but she's focused on completing her schooling first.

The 17 year old, whose sights are set on physiotherapy or pharmacy, is confident the balancing act will pay off.

"I want to finish my VCE first, then depending on tennis rankings and results I can turn my focus back on international tournaments,'' Grenfell says.

The highly organised teen hasn't let the lofty heights of the world tennis circuit faze her.

"I'm in no hurry. It would be great to turn professional within five years.''

Grenfell completes a hectic training regime tailored to fit in with her studies.

Her playing highlights include qualifying rounds for the Australian Open junior event and the recent Wilson Series Open AR No.2 and No.3.

At the No.2 event, Grenfell lived up to her top seed status by losing only three games in the singles semi-final and final.

She capped off the weekend by winning the doubles with partner Tamara Wright.

She was equally successful at the No.3 event, reaching the semi-finals in the singles and winning the doubles.

The results have launched Grenfell into the International Tennis Federation's top 100 rankings.

"The rankings are updated monthly but I'm hoping to be around 70th.''

Elite women's tennis players utilise a combination of skill, touch, stamina and strength to beat their oppon-

ents.

Grenfell, standing at about 170 centimetres, is no different as she overpowers her opposition with a quality forehand and double-handed backhand.

Her tennis progression began at the age of nine when a friend convinced her to take up the sport.

"My friend wanted someone to play with, so I went along and haven't stopped since.

Growing up, she idolised Ali and Agassi for the way they carried themselves in the boxing ring and on the court.

"It's inspirational how they promoted sport to the world and got people involved,'' she says.

With mid-year exams on the horizon and finals in November, she is looking forward to playing more tennis and consolidating her ranking.