RENEE Klingenstein believes she is a better player after touring New Zealand with the NSW Schools Tennis Union squad.

Klingenstein was the youngest player in the squad which spent the recent school holidays travelling around New Zealand and playing against the Auckland, Wellington and Canterbury Secondary Schools teams.

“It was absolutely brilliant,” Klingenstein said.

“The tennis was good. I won eight out of my 10 matches. I kept the ball in play, I stayed relaxed and was thinking on the court.”

The matches were decided with a best-of-three-sets format.

The Canobolas Rural Technology High School student also played in the number one doubles match on the final day and won.

“I think my game has improved,” she said.

“Playing in a different country was a big thrill. Wellington was probably the best school team.”

The tennis was the priority for the tour but Klingenstein said her time spent in Queenstown was also enjoyable.

She will compete in the Champion of Champions tournament on August 31 before being part of the Western team to play in the NSW Combined High Schools Champ-ionships the following month.