The opportunity to play tennis in his own backyard doesn’t come often for Sunbury’s Dayne Kelly.
Having travelled the world playing tennis, this week he got to play in front of friends and family at the Hume Tennis and Community Centre in Craigieburn.
Kelly is part of the centre’s Tennis Victoria Premier League team, with the club hosting the first round of competition. He said it had been years since he had been able to compete so close to home.
“It’s a lot more enjoyable as you travel so much throughout the year,” he said.
“It’s been a long year for everyone to come back home and play some tennis around the corner.
“It’s very much so special to play here and spend time with the family. It’s nice for them to be able to watch me as well.”
Speaking ahead of the event, Kelly said his focus had been on competing in doubles at a Sydney Challenger.
He was then joining Hume to get down to business for the event that is being held across two weeks.
“I’ll get back with the guys and see where it all looks like,” he said.
“It’s been a bit of a struggle this year and it’s nice to come out the other end feeling refreshed and looking forward to next year.”
Kelly, who started playing tennis to keep him occupied while his older brother played in tournaments, said life as a tennis player was mixed at times.
“It’s a very humbling experience,” he said. “It’s difficult at times to make a living as a tennis player and can be really isolating and lonely on the road if you’re not playing in the main draw and in the top 100.
“I kind of stopped-started for a few years, but I’ve come back to loving the game. For me it’s getting to the end, so I’m enjoying what is left before I move on with the next part of my life.”
Kelly said he could have never imagined having the tennis career he did as he grew up in Sydenham and later Sunbury.
The 32-year-old is currently ranked 506th in the world, having been ranked as high as 252 in 2017.
In doubles he was ranked as high as 338.
“It’s taken me around the world and I’ve met so many people,” Kelly said. “It’s been an amazing experience.”
Kelly said he knows that his career is coming to an end. He’s planning on enjoying what he has left of it.
“My priorities have changed and how I go about things has too,” he said.
“I’m still aspiring to reach goals professionally other than ranking wise. I’ll work as hard as I can until July next year when it’s my birthday and then make a decision about what is next from there.”
