Rising tennis stars compete in Darwin International
A global men's tennis competition is underway in the Northern Territory, bringing players from far and wide. Winners at the Darwin International will share in 25 thousand dollars of prize money, but it's the prospect of one day becoming a Grand Slam champion that is driving young players.
Transcript
00:00 Darwin takes centre court in the global race for Grand Slam glory.
00:07 With a separate women's competition being held in Perth,
00:10 budding men's players from around the world are flocking to the Darwin International.
00:14 So it's just giving myself the experience of match play against these adult players.
00:20 Most are aiming to follow in the footsteps of their idols.
00:23 My favourite player always has been Gael Monfils.
00:26 Love his athleticism and the way he is on the court.
00:30 Gotta say, the Dominic team.
00:33 But while these young players have high aims, the road to stardom requires big sacrifices.
00:38 Yeah, you're by yourself a lot, just staying in a lot of different hotels, different places,
00:44 constantly travelling.
00:45 The last two years I've probably only spent one week at home.
00:48 There's even the next generation of Australian tennis royalty,
00:52 the son of Grand Slam champion Leighton Hewitt, among those duking it out.
00:56 Have you won a match against your dad yet?
00:58 That's, when I get back I'm going to challenge him.
01:01 Many of the players here in Darwin are just starting their professional careers,
01:04 but they're hoping that a string of strong matches will help propel them up the world rankings.
01:09 It's just like good experience as well for later on, you know.
01:12 So it's like getting used to it maybe.
01:15 The big hope, a new champion of the game.
01:17 I love the heat always, enjoy playing it. Good for the fitness as well.
01:21 They should have their breakout match under the blazing territory sun.
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