Training hard, studying hard, and receiving tips from tennis great Pete Sampras make up a busy life for 13-year old Bermudian Zarah DeSilva who is attending the prestigious tennis academy Saddlebrooke, just outside of Tampa, Florida.

Zarah, the youngest boarder at the school, recently finished her first term, and can't wait to return after the summer break.

"My game has improved a lot,'' says the gifted athlete.

With five hours of practice every day and a match almost every weekend, Zarah has quickly become more competitive and only recently won the 14 age division at the Hidden Palms tournament in Florida.

This week she's playing in the Colonial Junior Open at Pomander Gate.

Described by her first coach, Walter Burgess, as a "trailblazer'', Zarah says her ambition is to one day turn professional.

"My ultimate dream is to play at Wimbledon,'' she says.

But for the time being, she's kept more than busy at the academy. "We go to school from 7.30 a.m to 12.05 p.m, and after lunch we play tennis from 1.15 to 6.30 p.m.,'' she explained. "On Mondays and Wednesdays we go to the gym for training before playing tennis. Then in the evenings I have to do my homework.'' But the outgoing youngster also gets chance to rub shoulders with some elite company.

"Pete Sampras is my best friend,'' she exclaims. "I see him often because he also trains at Saddlebrooke. And he has given me a few tennis tips. He's promised to take me for a ride in his Porsche when I go back next year.

"I was also on a court right next to Jennifer Capriatti training one day.

"The coaches give me so much support. Whenever I play a match there is always a coach giving me pointers.'' Zarah will stay at Saddlebrooke providing she keeps her grades at a certain level, said father Zane DeSilva.

"She has managed to do that, and of course her tennis also has to remain above a certain standard,'' he added. "Walter Burgess, Steven Bean and Sheila Gomez really gave her a great start in Bermuda. But there is a lot more talent in the junior programmes here.'' DeSilva said he would like to see more of the juniors go away to train seriously.

"I know that financially it is not always possible, and we have had to juggle our financial life to afford this,'' he admitted.

As for this week's tournament, Zarah says: "I'm really going to concentrate on winning the 14 division.

"I want to be like Monica Seles. To reach my goals I know I must work really hard and make sacrifices. But it will be worth it.'' CELEBRITY FRIEND -- Bermudian Zarah DeSilva poses with four-time Wimbledon singles champion Pete Sampras at the Saddlebrooke academy in Florida, where both work on their tennis game.