MOVE over Andy Murray and Li Na as the Shoalhaven has two rising tennis stars about to hit the Australian Open.
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Bomaderry’s Patrick Muller and India Schreiber may both be under 11-years-old, but today will be will be smashing it out on courts close to the heavy hitters in the second week of the Australian Open in Melbourne.
The St Michael’s Catholic Primary School students were selected among eight players from the South East and ACT region to compete in the Super 10s national finals this week.
Competing in a teams format, Patrick and India played their way to the final qualifier, which was a three day competition held in Canberra in November, 2013.
Patrick and India competed in separate teams of four, where Patrick’s team finished first, and India’s team finished second.
Players were ranked from one to four in their teams and Patrick and India achieved number one rankings to earn their place in the Super 10s national final.
The pair will be staying in a hotel in Melbourne and chaperoned during their visit where they will be required to compete in events following a Davis Cup format.
Patrick, 10, has been playing tennis since he was five-years-old and strengths lie in his strong forehand, consistency and never-give-up attitude.
Patrick said he looks up to Australia’s Bernard Tomic because of his impressive forehand.
“I hope to win a few matches and see some big superstar tennis players,” he said.
India, 9, has also been playing from a young age and brings to her matches an aggressive style of play and a great serve.
India looks up to Australia’s Sam Stosur and, like Patrick, hopes she will get a chance to meet some of her idols at the Australian Open.
Patrick and India train five to six days a week in tennis, and under coach Mark Pritchard, should be a force to be reckoned with in the finals.
Both players thanked Pritchard for his support, patience, dedication and honest approach to coaching.