Jared Gersun: The Tennis Prodigy Who Carried Dreams and Responsibilities From Age 10

At just 16, Jared Gersun is already making headlines in Australia's youth tennis circuit. But beyond his swift serve and graceful backhand lies a story of extraordinary resilience. Jared isn't just a rising star in sports—he's a young fighter who learned responsibility long before he ever picked up a tennis racket.

A Childhood Marked by Hardship

Born into a financially struggling family in suburban Australia, Jared didn’t have the luxury of a carefree childhood. When most kids were busy playing video games or enjoying after-school leisure, Jared was helping his family put food on the table.

At the age of 10, when his classmates were still learning multiplication tables, Jared began delivering newspapers in the early mornings before school. His weekends were often spent doing odd jobs—mowing lawns, washing cars, and even helping a local mechanic just to earn a few dollars.

“It was never about pity,” Jared recalls. “It was about survival—and helping Mum breathe a little easier.”

Education by Day, Work by Night

Despite the family’s financial hardship, Jared was determined not to fall behind in school. He attended a local public school where he was known not only for his discipline but also for his strong work ethic.

Jared would often finish his school assignments while commuting or during lunch breaks. In the evenings, after a quick bite of dinner, he would head out to help at a nearby grocery store stocking shelves. His teachers noticed his focus and often extended their support.

“He may have come from a difficult background,” one teacher remarked, “but Jared always turned in his work with pride. He was mature beyond his years.”

Discovering Tennis in the Middle of It All

Ironically, Jared stumbled upon tennis while waiting for his younger sister to finish a free community dance class. The tennis court next to the center was offering a trial session. Jared signed up on a whim, in his work-worn shoes and oversized t-shirt. That moment became the turning point in his life.

Despite no professional coaching or proper gear, his natural instincts and speed caught the coach's attention. The coach took a special interest in Jared, offering him after-school practice and waived fees for beginner lessons.

Balancing Acts and Big Dreams

By 12, Jared had already become the backbone of his family. His father, a construction laborer, had suffered a back injury, and his mother was juggling two part-time jobs. Jared quietly stepped up—doing grocery runs, tutoring his siblings, and contributing to the utility bills from his part-time earnings.

And yet, he never missed tennis practice.

His typical day looked like this:

5:30 AM: Morning delivery rounds

8:30 AM – 3:00 PM: School

3:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Tennis practice

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Part-time work at the local store

10:00 PM onwards: Homework, self-study, and family help

How He's Giving Back Today

Now that he's gaining recognition and modest sponsorships, Jared insists on sharing whatever he earns. He’s helped clear off some of his family's pending medical bills and recently purchased a second-hand scooter for his father to get to his therapy sessions.

But Jared's most touching initiative has been his involvement in local youth mentoring. He’s started coaching neighborhood kids for free every Saturday morning—especially those from financially struggling homes.

“I don’t want to wait to be rich to make a difference,” Jared says. “If I can be that one coach to another ‘me,’ then it’s already worth it.”

Future Beyond the Court

While Jared continues to train for junior national tournaments, he hasn’t let go of his education. He is currently enrolled in a flexible online schooling program to balance studies with his training schedule. His goal? To pursue sports science so he can one day become a coach who understands both the game and the athlete’s struggles.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Tennis Player

Jared Gersun journey is not just a sports story—it’s a human story. It’s about a boy who refused to let poverty define him, who chose sweat over excuses, and who still smiles while carrying the weight of dreams bigger than most adults ever attempt.

In Jared, we don’t just see Australia’s next tennis champion—we see a leader, a role model, and a symbol of hope for every young athlete struggling against the odds.