A ‘money can’t buy experience’. That’s how it will be remembered for four very lucky young tennis players from Parkes Tennis Club and their families as they ventured to Sydney for the Davis Cup tie between Australia and Slovakia.
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The four juniors were chosen to be part of the Tennis Australia Davis Cup Legends Hot Shots Teams Day along with 28 other juniors from across NSW.
Charlie Girle, Mitchell Boggs, Laura Burkitt and Poppy Fisher (and their families) couldn’t contain their excitement as they strode down Olympic Boulevard towards the Sydney International Tennis Centre.
The players were dressed in specially designed gold and green t-shirts with the Parkes Junior Tennis logo. Their confidence grew as other team support crews were commenting how impressive the Parkes team outfits were.
Swinging their racquets around as they headed for the match courts, the four little stars from the bush were taking in everything around them and stopped to watch the elite juniors practise, as well as finding all the security checks quite amusing.
The Davis Cup Legends were listed on the board and each team were drawn as to who they would be representing. The Parkes juniors drew Rosewalls and were delighted to learn that the centre court at the Sydney venue where they would later sit was named after this great man in his honour.
Ken Rosewall was renowned for his enviable backhand, balance, speed and excellent anticipation; all important traits for any Hot Shots player aspiring to greater things.
The ‘Rosewalls’ warmed up their strokes and were impressed with the even bounce of the red balls on the slower hard court surface. They played singles and doubles matches throughout the two hours on court with minimal breaks.
All four players had some great rallies against their city opponents and certainly weren’t out-played at any stage. Their competitive country spirit shone through and the extra practise sessions they had endured over the past month were paying off.
At the conclusion of play all 32 players and their families enjoyed a barbecue lunch before the players were presented with some beaut souvenirs from the day.
Everyone headed to Ken Rosewall Arena to await the arrival of Sam Groth and John Peers for the doubles rubber. The group were overwhelmed with excitement as coach Helen Magill had organised front row seats for everyone.
Sitting just metres from the side of the court provided an intriguing insight into the power and ferocity of the serving and hitting of the players, as well as the indifferent comments at times.
Everyone cheered on the Aussie boys and all enjoyed the competitive contest on display.
The Australians prevailed in four tight sets including two tie-breaks to take the rubber and put Australia through to the Davis Cup World Group once again.
Everyone left Ken Rosewall Arena feeling accomplished, as not only had these four youngsters experienced new challenges and friendships on the day, they also watched the fastest tennis server on earth.
