Good luck to the Hunter Sports High School tennis team of Matthew Wenta, James Plowman, Jake Caff, Jake Tattler, Bronwyn Plowman, and Trinity Geddes who left yesterday, October 20 for a three-day inter-academy challenge with Adelaide’s Henley Beach Sports High School.

What a great experience to test yourself at an interstate level and with the talent in the squad I am predicting a strong showing from the team.

Lake Macquarie Tennis Centre juniors have been putting in some great results in recent weeks.

Joel Herbert, 15 and under boy’s singles winner and Maddison Blick, 13 and under girl’s single winner were outstanding at the Newcastle Junior Round Robin during the school holidays.

Also congratulations to Luke Mitchell, Jacinta Mantle, and Adam Mitchell for winning their respective divisions at the Lake Macquarie Tennis Centre Junior tournament last Friday, October 16.

Sam Stosur has given her Australian Open chances a big boost by winning the Japan Open last weekend, October 17 to 18.

She is now in the running to win her first grand slam singles title and with the return of Kim Clysters and Justine Henin to challenge the established stars the women’s draw is creating enormous interest.

Take a few days holiday or just go for the weekend, a trip to the Australian Open is a wonderful experience.

The cost is relatively inexpensive and Melbourne is such a great city to visit.

Australian Open starts on Monday, January 18 and concludes with the men’s singles final on Sunday, January 31.