Australian open wildcard Destanee Aiava has endured a week-long media storm that shows no sign of abating.
Aiava was thrust into the spotlight at the Brisbane International, winning her WTA debut match against Olympic doubles gold medalist Bethanie Mattek-Sands.
But the plucky 16-year-old said she doesn't mind the attention.
"I didn't enjoy team sports, I just wanted everything to be focused on me and me only," she said.
"I played soccer before tennis but I got kicked off the team because I wouldn't pass the ball."
However, this stubborn determination is an asset on the tennis court.
At 12 years old she made her mark representing Australia at the Future Tennis Aces Tournament at Roland Garros, beating girls several years her senior to take the title.
Tennis player Destanee Aiava is ready to play in her first gland slam - the Australian Open. (SBS News) Source: SBS
Now she's set to tick off a career goal she made aged just five.
"My goal was to at least play in a grand slam by the time I was 16," Aiava said.
"That was one of my main goal when I was really little. And I've finally reached it."
Aiava comes from a tight knit family that has it's roots in Samoa, Argentina and the United States.
She's coached by her mum Rosie, a former kickboxer and rugby player for the Wallaroos.
Rosie said it could be hard to draw a line between coach and parent.
Destanee Aiava and mother and coach Rosie Aiava. (SBS News) Source: SBS
"We have our little biffs on the court," she said.
"She tends to forget I'm her coach not her mum. I give her a little cooling off period and tell her you come back when you're ready to train."
Aiava is keeping her expectations low for her Australian Open debut, but as the first person born since the year 2000 to compete in the main draw at a grand slam she's already making history.
Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash said at this stage of her career, the Noble Park teen just needed to learn from the experience.
Destanee Aiava speaking with Australian tennis great Pat Cash. (SBS News) Source: SBS
"If she wins one match I think she'll be very happy, I think it'll be a fantastic performance," he said.
"If she doesn't it's just a great learning curve and any more than that is a bonus, she should just get in there and enjoy it."
And Aiava says this is just the beginning.
Her next goal is to rank inside the top 100 by the end of the year.
