Stephanie’s later-in-life shot at tennis greatness
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Stephanie Bayley-Nelson has been chasing the feeling of a clean forehand for as long as she can remember.
She first picked up a racquet at three-years-old, and tennis has always been part of the rhythm of her life – even if the thought of taking the podium in an international tournament felt like a far-off dream.
Now, after years of training, competing, juggling work and family, and refusing to let the dream fade, the Canberra local has been selected to represent Australia at the Masters Tennis Championships in Tokyo in November 2026.
For Stephanie, wearing the green and gold is not just a personal milestone, it’s a deeply emotional family moment. Her late Nanna Evie was a talented tennis player who once played with Australian great Ken Rosewall and was herself selected to represent Australia. But as one of nine children, Evie’s family could not afford to send her overseas.
The NSW tennis team in the early 1950s, featuring Ken Rosewall (front row, first boy from the left) and Nanna Evie (second row, second girl from the right).
Decades later, Stephanie has the chance to step onto the international stage in her grandmother’s honour. Every training session, match and sacrifice now carries that legacy with it and the hope that this time, the opportunity can be taken.
The championships will take place in Tokyo in November 2026, where Stephanie will compete as part of the Australian Women’s 35 team before staying on to compete in the individual World Championships.
“There have been plenty of periods when I’ve parked my first love (of tennis) to pursue other loves – like different sports, study, travel, friends, building my own little family,” she says.
“I didn’t play tennis for a few years through IVF, pregnancy and postpartum because I just didn’t have the time, energy or space for it. Tennis wasn’t my priority at that point, and I didn’t want to force it – I knew it would be there waiting for me when I was ready.”
But the road to Tokyo comes with a significant financial challenge. While Tennis Seniors Australia is providing a small contribution, Stephanie’s campaign will be almost entirely self-funded. As a wife, mum to a five-year-old, and full-time school psychologist with the ACT Education Directorate, she is balancing the demands of elite preparation with the everyday responsibilities of work and family life.
That is why Stephanie is calling on the Canberra community to help her get to Tokyo. Donations can be made through a fundraiser supported by the Australian Sports Foundation – with donations of $2 or more being tax deductible.
Every contribution will help Stephanie carry a family dream onto the court, represent her country with pride, and show the next generation – including her daughter – that sporting greatness is possible at any age and that some dreams do come true.
“It’s such a privilege to have been selected. I know I’ll feel very proud (and maybe a little emotional) wearing the green and gold – it feels bigger than tennis, it’s about representing my country and there’s a great honour that comes with that. I really want to do my country and family proud!” she says.
“It also means so much that I’m able to take this opportunity my Nanna Evie couldn’t. I can’t help but feel close to her when I’m on the court – I often hear the things she used to say to me before or after a match. So in a way it feels like she’s coming with me. I’m doing it for her too.”
You can make a donation to Stephanie’s campaign now, through the Australian Sports Foundation.
