Shepparton student’s Australian Open debut

HIS SHOT... Jimmy Morrison of Bourchier Street Primary School wrote to Tennis Australia asking for more tennis opportunities in the community, and his words struck a chord with the organisation who not only brought the Australian Open trophies and tennis clinics to Shepparton, but also selected him to participate as a Junior Hot Shots Reporter on Hot Shots Tennis Day at the AO on January 16. Jimmy Morrison is pictured with Tennis Victoria representatives and the men's and women's trophies. Photo: Supplied

By Deanne Jeffers

The Australian Open (AO) kicked off this week in Melbourne, bringing some of the sport’s finest to Victoria for three weeks of Grand Slam action. Joining the excitement is 10-year-old Jimmy Morrison from Shepparton, who will step into the spotlight as a budding sports reporter, asking all the hard questions and soaking up the atmosphere.

A student at Bourchier Street Primary School, Jimmy’s journey to the AO began with a persuasive letter he wrote to Tennis Australia last year. In the letter, Jimmy passionately argued for the inclusion of Shepparton in Tennis Australia’s Hot Shots program, presenting compelling reasons that caught the attention of the organisation.

His efforts resulted in a special “AO on the Road” visit to his school, where Tennis Australia brought the iconic Australian Open trophies to Bourchier Street in November, thrilling students and staff alike.

“I wrote a persuasive letter… I used very good persuasive techniques—facts here, facts there,” Jimmy said, explaining the effort that went into his writing. “It was really exciting and surprising when they brought the trophies to school. We even had a tennis clinic, and I got to see the Australian Open trophies and hold the men’s one.”

HIS SHOT… Jimmy Morrison of Bourchier Street Primary School wrote to Tennis Australia asking for more tennis opportunities in the community, and his words struck a chord with the organisation. Jimmy not only brought the Australian Open trophies and tennis clinics to Shepparton but also selected him to participate as a Junior Hot Shots Reporter on Hot Shots Tennis Day at the AO on January 16. Jimmy Morrison is pictured with Australian Open trophies awarded to Daphne Akhurst and Norman Brookes, and Tennis Victoria staff Gabriella Tobias and Peter Bertoncini. Photo: Supplied

Jimmy recalled the moment he held the trophy, which weighs 10kg and is valued at over $100,000. “You can’t hold it with your bare hands until you’ve won the Australian Open,” he said, describing the thrilling experience.

The wait for a response from Tennis Australia—an impressive eight months—was well worth it for Jimmy.

Next week, the enthusiastic youngster will head to Melbourne Park to take on his role as a Junior Hot Shots Reporter. Jimmy will interview players, soak up the crowd energy, and share the joy of tennis with fans around the world.

“I’m feeling pumped, super excited!” he said. “I’m most excited about sitting up front with the Australian Open and watching the matches in person.”

Jimmy has been preparing for the big day with dedication. “Preparation is key,” he explained. “I’ve written four pages of questions and have been practising names like Medvedev.”

The Shepparton local’s passion for tennis and initiative to advocate for his community have earned him a golden ticket to one of Australia’s biggest sporting events, while also shining a spotlight on the sport in his hometown.

“What I’d say to young people is to remember that the world doesn’t change alone—it changes along with the rules of sports and everything else,” Jimmy said, offering advice to others. “Be proud of these changes and think about how you can be a part of them.”

GRAND SLAM… Bourchier Street Primary School student Jimmy Morrison, aged 10, pictured with the Australian Open (AO) men’s and women’s trophies that visited his school in November. Jimmy’s persuasive letter to Tennis Australia saw the trophies visit Shepparton last year, and he has been selected to be a Junior Hot Shots Reporter at the AO next week. Photo: Supplied