There’s not too many people capable of stealing the limelight from Roger Federer or Serena Williams. Even less likely, given the pairs first ever on-court meeting in front of a sell-out crowd of 14,064 on Tuesday night for the hugely anticipated Mastercard Hopman Cup match between the USA and Switzerland. However, 6 year old Presley Murombo, an ANZ Tennis Hot Shots participant at the MG Tennis Academy, Bibra Lake, managed to upstage the famous duo with some spectacular dance moves that brought the entire crowd to their feet as they waited for the mixed doubles to commence.
A huge fan of both Federer and Williams, Presley could barely contain his excitement. Dancing in the stands throughout the breaks, Dad Kumbi Murombo said it was a neighboring spectator that eventually gained the attention of the MC.
“Presley loves to dance so was up out of his seat dancing and trying to get the attention of the cameras, but he wasn’t having any luck. It was the guy sitting next to us that managed to call over the MC,” said Mr. Murombo
Upon seeing Presley dancing to the “YMCA”, Tournament MC, Adrian Franklin, brought Presley down onto Centre Court to continue his moves. Presley then proceeded to wow the crowd with his confident performance of the popular song. The young pocket-rocket had the entire crowd up on their feet dancing along him.
Mr. Murombo said that his outgoing, confident son loves the limelight and thrives on all of the attention.
“He’s no different at school. He’s always in the front row stealing the show. Last night was seriously something else though, he really lifted the bar with his performance in front of such a large crowd,” said Mr. Murombo
When asked how it felt to have the 14,064 strong crowd watching, Presley couldn’t have been happier.
“The moves just come to me and it just feels like the whole crowd is dancing with me,” said Presley.
Dancing aside, Presley loves tennis and has been in lessons since about the age of two, training for the past three years with Mike Gill from Next Gen Perth South in Bibra Lake.
“Presley is a huge tennis fan. He loves both Federer and Williams so it was tough for him knowing who to cheer for last night,” said Mr. Murombo
The energetic six year old continued to field attention well after the game had ended, being cheered and applauded by commuters as he made his way home.
“When we stepped on to the train, people started clapping and cheering, they were even taking his photo. He really made an impact,” said Mr. Murombo.
Switzerland ultimately defeated USA 2-1 after the live mixed doubles saw Bencic / Federer (SUI) defeat Williams / Tiafoe (USA) 4-2 4-3(3), following expected Singles match victories from both top ranked players, Federer (6-4 6-1) and Williams (4-6 6-4 6-3).
The Mastercard Hopman Cup play continues throughout the week at RAC Arena. To find out more visit hopmancup.com
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