By Jessica Micallef
Young Kyneton tennis hot shots got a taste of what it’s like to be on a grand slam tour at this year’s Australian Open.
Some Kyneton & District Tennis Club members were invited to take part in a Hot Shots Day at the open on January 17 where they met ANZ tennis ambassador Alicia Molik.
Each of the members is part of the Tennis Hot Shots Community Play program which aims to make tennis more accessible for children living in regional areas.
Club head coach Marcus Wills said 30 children aged between 5 and 12 years attended the event.
“The kids were absolutely excited,” Mr Wills said. “Half of them had been to the tennis and half hadn’t and the feedback from the parents was really appreciative.”
Mr Wills said there were “heaps of kids’ activities” that kept the children entertained.
“Watching tennis at that age can be a bit dry,” Mr Wills said. “There was a ball park, the kids played on mini courts, there was a waterslide.”
ANZ managing director Catriona Noble said she was excited to host the Kyneton club at one of Melbourne’s biggest sporting events.
“We’re extremely proud to support regional clubs through the Community Play program and continue to grow the sport at a grassroots level,” Ms Noble said.
“These clubs have shown great dedication to the sport.”
