On March 1, the Kingston teenager was recognised by the Sportsmen's Association of Australia (Ballarat Associates) for her outstanding achievements on the tennis court during the past year.

Not only did Hives win the Australian 14 and under girls' singles championship in Sydney last October ? defeating Bernard Tomic's sister Sarah in the final ? she also qualified for and competed in the junior Australian Open as a 15-year-old in January.

Unlike some of her Australian tennis peers like Sarah Tomic ? who received wildcards into the Australian Open ? Hives needed to earn one of only eight qualifying spots in the tournament.

She earned her place in the draw of 64 after playing and winning three qualifying matches ? all three-setters ? on January 12 and 13.

Hives then faced her first round opponent, Italy's Camilla Rosatello, on Sunday, January 15.

She overcame nerves, heat and symptoms of a cold to valiantly go down to the 17-year-old Italian 5-7 in the third set.

Recently the teenager flew to New Zealand to compete in two junior International Tennis Foundation tournaments before starting Year 10 at Mt Clear College.

The 15-year-old said she would focus on competing in more ITF tournaments this year while studying Year 10 at Mt Clear College.

Hives also received the Ballarat Sportsmen's Club Junior Sportsperson of the Year Award last month.