13 April 2015 | Tennis Australia

Sasha-May Flegler of Euramo, Queensland will join the world’s biggest tennis stars at Australian Open 2016 after being selected as an ANZ Tennis Hot Shot of the Year nominee.

The ANZ Tennis Hot Shot of the Year competition recognises and rewards a Hot Shots participant each month who best demonstrates the spirit of tennis through their participation, enthusiasm and enjoyment of the game.

As a nominee Sasha-May will receive a money-can’t-buy VIP trip to Australian Open 2016 as well as an ANZ Tennis Hot Shots equipment pack, including a mini net, racquets and balls.

Sasha-May currently plays Hot Shots at Tully State Primary School and Tennis Tully and Social Club and enjoys the benefits tennis offers.

“Tennis makes you fit, you get to play tournaments but most of all you get to have a good time with your friends,” she said.

“I like playing tennis with anyone, especially Gran, my coach and everyone in my green ball group.”

The nine-year-old is looking forward to watching tennis at Rod Laver Arena.

“I feel very excited and happy. I can’t believe I am going to the Australian Open because my grandma has been promising to take me there for a couple of years.

“I like watching tennis on TV so I think watching the players live will be excellent. Going to Rod Laver Arena will be awesome,” she added.

In January, Sasha-May will join 11 nominees at Melbourne Park where the ANZ Tennis Hot Shot of the Year will be selected at an official awards night, as well as go behind-the-scenes at the tournament and play on the same courts as the world’s best.

The ANZ Tennis Hot Shot of the Year winner will receive $5,000, a year’s worth of free coaching and a tennis lesson with ANZ Tennis Hot Shots ambassador Alicia Molik and three friends at their tennis club.