Caitlyn Crilly, Tennis Hot Shots player and Belgrave local, stepped out on the court at the Australian Open this week to toss the coin between Nuria Parrizas Diaz and Donna Vekic, ahead of the match-up on MCA.
A once-in-a-lifetime grassroots to Grand Slam opportunity, connecting aspiring players with champions of the game, the money can’t buy experience is reserved for local Tennis Hots Shots participants and Super 10 development players from across the country.
“What a wonderful opportunity to connect our kids starting out their tennis journey with the very best tennis players in the world, while also and honouring the remarkable achievements of our past champions.” Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said.
“Each Tennis Hot Shots player that steps on court to toss the coin during the Australian Open will be surrounded by current champions of the game and will take home a special reminder of one of the greatest champions our sport has ever seen.”
The Australian Open 2023 coin features tennis legend Ken Rosewall, honouring the 70-year anniversary of his 1953 men’s singles triumph.
Rosewall remains the youngest man to have won the Australian Open Men’s Singles title, winning at just 18. Claiming subsequent titles in 1955 and 1971, Rosewall also won in 1972 aged 36, marking 19 years since his inaugural title – another record that remains to this day.
Renowned for his enviable backhand as illustrated on the AO 2023 coin, Rosewall amassed an impressive 18 major titles across three decades including nine Men’s Doubles titles and a Mixed Doubles title at the US Open in 1956.
“It’s a wonderful honour to be recognised on the Australian Open coin. Seventy years seems like a long time, but it feels just like yesterday that I was a young hopeful stepping out on court for a shot at my first major title,” Australian tennis legend Ken Rosewall said.
More than 170 Tennis Hot Shots kids and Super 10 development athletes will take to the courts of Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, John Cain Arena and Kia Arena to toss the coin during the two weeks of the Australian Open.
Tennis Hot Shots is the official development program of Tennis Australia, designed for kids aged 3 to 12. Played on smaller courts with modified equipment to make it easier and more fun to progress.
Tennis Hots Shots is run by qualified coaches and volunteers who help kids build confidence, sport skills and new friends. Coaches and clubs across Australia offer free trials.
Head to play.tennis.com.au to find out more.
