2014 has been highly successful with numbers on the increase and some most impressive tournament and representative results including NSW, Western, Central West and district champions across the age divisions.

Parkes tennis has a small committee who do a stellar job throughout the year and should be congratulated on their efforts, giving their time voluntarily every week. 

Unlike most other sports, tennis is year round so January is the only month there is no competitions running.

I encourage everyone to try to get to a tennis event during the Aussie summer in any of the capital cities as there’s nothing like watching live tennis and enjoying the atmosphere. 

More than 140 people from Parkes have been in contact and are heading to Melbourne at different stages during the Australian Open. 

For me, it is the most exciting time of the year and I can’t wait to see everyone at Melbourne Park. 

I’ll be there the week prior to the Open, attending some Hot Shots workshops and the Grand Slam Coaches Conference. 

I will also be supporting the NSW Foundation Cup team which includes Jake Magill.

One last competition which Hot Shots kids might like to enter is the chance to meet Rafael Nadal in person in Melbourne on Saturday, January 17. 

There will be five lucky winners. 

The prize includes return airfares and accommodation from Parkes to Melbourne. 

Follow this link and enter today - www.tennis.com.au/news-and-events/events/kids-tennis-day/kids-tennis-day-vip-experience.

Today will be the final tournament day for this year with the Bathurst Junior Open. 

Jake Magill was seeded fifth in the 14 and Under boys. 

He will have to be in some good end of year form to match it with these bigger boys now. 

Emily Thomson is top seed for the 16 and Under girls and should easily account for her opponents to take out the singles and doubles events. 

This will be a nice way for Emily to finish off her year of consolidation and working mainly on her strength and conditioning as she heads into the 16 and Under age division next year.

Thank you to everyone involved in tennis throughout 2014. 

We have a super group of parents who offer their support and a wonderful selection of coaches and players who enjoy their time on the tennis courts. 

Thanks to the staff at the Champion Post for their ongoing support of tennis in the Parkes Shire.

I will take this opportunity to wish all our valued readers and the tennis community a safe and happy holiday season spent with family and friends and wishing everyone a healthy 2015 with plenty of action and enjoyment on the tennis court.