Lyneham ACT 2602, Australia, 6 March 2017 | Todd Larkham

The month of February has been a great opportunity for ACT’s elite players to recover from a hectic two month period of events and to really get stuck into a training block in preparation for 2017.

The post junior pro squad, including ACT players James Frawley, Jarred Wynan and Dimitri Morogiannis alongside Tasmanian Harry Bouchier, have been involved in long morning sessions on Lyneham’s redeveloped European clay courts with Tennis Australia coach Alun Jones. The squad aim to build their fitness and prepare for the upcoming men’s pro events, part of the ACT Claycourt International planned for March 11-19 in Canberra on the clay. We will then see the boys take part in a three to four month period overseas.

Nick Kyrgios produced a masterful display of serving and backcourt power to defeat No.1 seed Novak Djokovic and reach the semis in Acapulco, a big win for him. Unfortunately, he was denied a place in the Mexican final by in-form American Sam Querrey.

Kaitlin Staines, Lisa Mays and Alison Bai, have all focused on hard court training for upcoming events in Australia and across Asia.

For the rest of Canberra’s elite junior players, February has been a chance for them to work on improving their technique with their coaches, building strength and fitness in the gym.

Outstanding highlights include:

Alison Bai

• Doubles Runner–Up: Burnie Challenger $60,000 ITF Pro Tour

Nick Kyrgios

• Semi–finalist Marseille Open 13
• Semi-finalist Acapulco Mexican Open
• Singles rubber victory Davis Cup 1st round vs Czech Republic