Pakenham prodigy served up ace opportunity

Pakenham tennis prodigy Thomas Donaghy will toss the coin at the 2020 Australian Open. 202984_01

By Mitchell Clarke

Pakenham tennis prodigy Thomas Donaghy is perfecting his coin toss in the lead up to the Australian Open, where he’ll step onto centre court and rub shoulders with the world’s best players.

The ten-year-old is one of 180 ANZ Tennis Hot Shots participants chosen to flip the commemorative coin to commence a match, after being selected by his coaches at Pakenham Regional Tennis Centre.

“Thomas was selected because he was the most determined player, showing teamwork and always striving to improve his game,” head coach Luke Molino said.

The passionate youngster, who dedicates his spare time to the sport, was absolutely thrilled when he found out he’d be making his way to Melbourne Park.

“I’m very excited because I’ve never been to the Australian Open and I’m a big tennis fan,” Thomas said.

“I’ve always watched the tennis and wished that I could go there.”

His first tournament is bound to be special, with the once-in-a-lifetime experience serving up an opportunity to meet some of his favourite players.

Thomas is hopeful he’ll get to flip the coin during one of Roger Federer’s matches but would be equally pleased if he gets to meet Aussie stars Ash Barty and Nick Kyrgios.

The 2020 coin features 14 time Grand Slam champion and former world number one Evonne Goolagong Cawley engraved on the ‘heads’ side of the coin and a tennis ball on the ‘tails side’.

“The coin toss at the beginning of an Australian Open match is always a special moment and I can’t wait to see the joy on the kids’ faces as they take part in this rare opportunity,” Ms Cawley said.

ANZ’s retail banking managing director Katherine Bray added: “The ANZ commemorative coin is a great initiative and a fun way to share the excitement of the Australian Open with our future tennis stars.”

The Australian Open begins on Monday 20 January and finishes on Sunday 2 February.