The Papua New Guinean teenage prodigy is the third seed in the women’s open singles at this week’s Wodonga Grasscourt Championships and made the final of the Margaret Court Cup in Albury on Tuesday, going down to Rowville’s Alana Parnaby in three sets.

Ridgway said Tere-Apisah, who’s sister Abigail is on a US college scholarship at Georgia State University, had the game to compete at the top junior level but had to believe in herself.

“I’d like Marcia to try and get into the Aussie Open juniors maybe next year,” Ridgway said.

“It’s building up confidence enough that they think they can do it.”

Tere-Apisah is part of a 16-strong Pacific contingent that has come to the Border for the two tournaments.

Ridgway, who will soon take over from Dan O’Connell as an International Tennis Federation development officer for Pacific-Oceania, said playing on the Border had been hugely beneficial for players from Oceania and the Pacific.

“The kids have improved a lot,” the Wellington-raised coach said.

“We are starting to be a lot more competitive.

“The level here is good for us.

“We don’t win the tournaments or thrash everyone.

“All the families billet our kids so they get to experience the Aussie lifestyle and they make friends for life.

“Our kids are incredibly shy so when they come here they have to come out of their shells.”