A lucky group of members from the Tatyoon Tennis Club received an invitation to experience a day at the 2020 Australian Open.
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Twenty-nine young players and their parents had the chance to meet tennis hero Dylan Alcott when they arrived at Melbourne Park on January 23.
Tatyoon Hotshots coordinator Jess Tucker said it was a fantastic opportunity to encourage young players to aim high.
"We got about 50 tickets in total and it was a fantastic opportunity for our kids to experience the Australian Open," she said.
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"It raises the whole profile of tennis. For example, today (Friday) kids have wanted to watch the tennis on the television.
"We've already got a very healthy tennis population at Tatyoon but this will just encourage more tennis in our area."
The players got to meet some high profile people during their visit too.
"It was a wonderful experience for all the families that went along on the day and we got to meet Dylan Alcott and have a photo with him," Tucker said.
Tucker said the trip went to show that there was support available for rural clubs.
"I have been in contact with (organisers) for the last year to find out how they can help us and what support is available," she said.
"It's funny, when you do ask there is help out there.
"We've also been lucky to have (club development officer) Kate-lyn Perkin from Tennis Victoria come and help us with our Hotshots, and she has been amazed at the program we're running, and the enthusiasm and involvement of all parents and committee members.
"She was there to greet us at the Australian Open and it's great having access to her and showing our kids that even though we're in a little place there are actually huge opportunities we can tap into."
Each year, ANZ invites 10 tennis clubs from regional Victoria to attend the Australian Open, which includes ground passes and travel costs.
Tatyoon Tennis Club is part of the Tennis Hot Shots Community Play program which is delivered across Australia with local volunteers running sessions.
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