TENNIS
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At seven years of age, Dapto's Hayley May will get a chance most tennis players dream about for their whole career.
As part of a national competition, May stepped out into Rod Laver Arena yesterday to have a hit at the 2014 Australian Open and is in with a chance to become Hot Shot of the Year.
As a reward for her participation, dedication, enthusiasm and enjoyment for the game of tennis, she won through to the final 12 of the competition last year.
An explanation of her love of tennis gave the budding star her very first trip to Melbourne Park, after more than 500,000 players worldwide experienced the Hot Shots program in the past 12 months.
"I have been playing tennis since I was five. When I'm not at tennis, I am always hitting the ball in the backyard because I really want to get better so I can play green ball comp," May said. "I have never seen a real match of tennis live and would love to see one to see how hard they hit the ball."
May got that chance with a Golden Ticket to the first three days of the grand slam tournament.
"I'm excited. It's fun and I get to meet some new people," May said.
"Sam Stosur is my favourite player. She is so good because she is Australian."
If May is to win the Hot Shot of the Year title, she will take home $5000, a year of free coaching and a visit by Hot Shot Ambassador Alicia Molik to Dapto Tennis Club for a private lesson with three friends.
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