This is the time of year that a good number of teenagers across Gloucestershire really don’t enjoy.

That’s because it’s exam season and the bad news for those sitting their GCSEs and A-levels is that there is still a fair way to go before they can start looking ahead to the summer holidays and trips abroad.

Olivia Rook is one of those youngsters who is looking forward to the summer more than most although she won’t be one of those out partying when the exams are over.

You see, 15-year-old Olivia, who is a pupil at Denmark Road High School in Gloucester and is currently sitting her GCSEs, also happens to be a good tennis player – a very good one in fact.

So much so that as soon her exams are finished, she will be out and about playing the sport she loves as she chases her dream of becoming a full-time player.

And it’s no fanciful dream either because she has already won national singles and doubles titles at and above her age group level.

“I’m hoping to play more ITFs around Europe,” said Olivia, who lives in Cheltenham. “I also want to play in the junior grand slams. That will take a bit longer, very few make it until they’re 16 or 17.”

Olivia has already played in International Tennis Federation junior events in France, Ireland and Belgium and it’s something she wants to experience more and more.

“I want to play on the tour full-time,” she said.

She is a member at East Glos in Cheltenham and is coached by Nick Edwards at Oxstalls in Gloucester and says her favourite surface is grass, so what are her strengths as a tennis player?

“I’ve got a good backhand and I like to come to the net,” she said. “I slice quite a bit, and I try to mix up the play.”

It’s no surprise that Olivia, who won’t be 16 until the end of July, is so keen on her tennis because her dad Brian just happens to be a coach at East Glos.

He worked as a lawyer before becoming a full-time tennis coach a few years ago and he also coaches at Cheltenham Ladies’ College.

He doesn’t coach Olivia, however.

“That’s a deliberate decision,” he said. “I felt it would be better all round if I remained ‘Dad’ rather than ‘coach’. I’m Olivia’s chief hitter, which is great fun and keeps me sharp, and I’m always on hand to offer any advice and help as and when Olivia feels she needs it.

“She trains absolutely flat out, she works really, really hard.

“She’s got a good all-round game, is very comfortable at the net, and that’s quite unusual for young players.”

And Brian is a big believer that her success in the doubles – she has won three 18 and under national titles – has benefitted her game.

“Definitely,” he said. “Doubles players are always looking to end the point early and Olivia prefers to play a much more attacking all court game, both in singles and doubles. Her all round game development has benefitted hugely from playing lots of doubles.

“The women’s game is changing, players are becoming more aggressive, looking to come forward and finish points early, and that’s a big part of Olivia’s game.”

Olivia has just had further success in doubles, winning another 18U National doubles title in Nottingham in April with her friend Hannah Smith from Hampshire.

And Olivia’s progress has certainly been spotted by others because she is being supported by CASS & Friends, a charitable organisation that is dedicated to helping athletes aged 12 to 18 living in and around the Cotswolds to reach the top in their particular sport by offering them financial support.