Jamaica’s Alyssa James, 17, the number one ranked junior player in the Caribbean and Central America, is showcasing her talent on the European circuit after being awarded a spot in the International Tennis Federation Grand Slam Player Development Team. She will now face some of the world’s best in Europe at the French Open.

Ranked 112 in the world, she has already registered wins this month at tournaments in Italy and just missed out on a quarter-final spot in Santa Croce where she lost a three set thriller to world number 61 Nauhany Vitoria Leme Da Silva 3-6, 6-3, 6-7.

However, her journey will continue as she moves on to Milan next week before competing in Belgium on May 26 and Roland Garros in France on June 1, which she says is a dream come true.

“It’s a huge honour as only a handful of junior players from around the world are chosen. To be one of them is truly humbling and satisfying as it shows that my hard work is paying off,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

“Roland Garros is a dream — just setting foot on those courts will be unforgettable and I want to compete, challenge the best, and prove I belong on that stage.”

Clay courts are regarded by many to be the most difficult playing surface in tennis but James says she’s well prepared to take on the challenge.

“(It) presents a unique challenge as the court is slower and rallies and matches are longer,” she said. “The clay courts also require a different type of movement when compared to hard courts as you have to slide into many shots. It also requires strategic shot selection as points are won primarily by forcing errors by keeping your opponent off balance.

“My preparation has been intense, and I spent a lot of time playing on the Hartru clay courts in Florida and working on my leg strength and endurance during my fitness sessions.”

James has also invested in mental preparation, which she says is necessary to be successful.

“You can be in top shape, but without mental clarity, it’s tough to perform — especially on clay, where matches can last over two or three hours,” she said. “You’re constantly analysing your opponent, adjusting your strategy, and staying composed even when things aren’t going your way. It’s like a mental chess match. I rely on visualisation, breathing exercises, and mental routines to stay focused and grounded. Blocking out distractions and staying present is essential, especially in high-pressure environments.”

Jamaica’s number one-ranked James, who moved to an academy based in Florida after attending Hillel Preparatory School, has proven to be one of the brighter prospects in the sport, winning several local and regional titles with her most recent coming in the Dominican Republic last May.

Since then, she’s made a number of deep tournament runs including quarter-final appearances at Indian Wells and in Brazil as well as a semi-final loss in Zapopan, Mexico.

With three tournaments to come in Europe to come, James is hoping to make a breakthrough into two of the world’s biggest grand slams.

“I’m focused on growth, testing myself against the best junior players in the world, and breaking new ground to improve my level of play,” James said. “I also want to absorb and enjoy the experience. My goal is to break into the top 50 as this will put me in a good position to gain entry into Wimbledon and the US Open. It’s an ambitious goal but I believe that it’s within reach.”

As she waves the Jamaican flag high all over the world, James says she hopes to inspire other young players from the island.

“Representing Jamaica has always given me great joy and is one of the greatest honours of my life,” she said. “Every time I step on a court and see the Jamaican flag next to my name or flying high in the stadium, it fills me with pride. It’s a reminder that I’m playing for something bigger than myself.

“Jamaica is known internationally for our music and track and field. I would like to put Jamaica on the map for tennis. I’m excited about the chance to represent Jamaica at the Billie Jean King and Fed Cup tournaments later this year. I hope my journey inspires young athletes back home — to believe that with hard work and commitment, anything is possible.”