Australian tennis stars Ashleigh Barty and Jarmila Gajdosova took some time out ahead of the main draw today to participate in Kids Tennis Day at the Moorilla Hobart International.
Barty and Gajdosova hit with young tennis hopefuls, encouraging them to have fun with the game.
“My advice to these kids is to just give it a rip. It’s a great sport that we play but it’s also hard. They just have to go out there and keep enjoying themselves and have a good time,” said 16-year-old Barty, who recently defeated world No. 35 Francesca Schiavone at the Hopman Cup in Perth last week.
Gajdosova, who had an emotional win against Roberta Vinci in the first round of the Brisbane International last week, spent time inspiring the kids and helping them improve their technique.
“Kids Day is a good start for the little kids to learn what it’s about and they get a lot of fun out it and experience step-by-step the little things. Then it’s up to them on how they progress.”
Both Aussies started playing the game under the age of 8 and know the importance of taking time out to enjoy its lighter side.
“Tennis is something that is supposed to be a lot of fun and not a job,” Gajdosova said.
Kids Tennis Day showcases MLC Tennis Hot Shots, Tennis Australia’s development program for primary school aged kids. Specifically designed, the program uses smaller courts, lighter racquets and low compression balls to make it fun and easy for young children to learn tennis.
“Hot Shots is amazing and it’s the first step you’ve got to take when you’re playing and Tennis Australia has done a great job with it.
“All the kids out here hit the ball great. I used to do this kind of stuff when I first started so I’m sure a lot of these kids have bright futures,” Barty added.
By Rosie Jones