Melbourne VIC, Australia, 22 January 2015 | ANZ Tennis Hot Shots

Umina Beach’s Trent Jacob (TJ) Gordon has been named the 2014 ANZ Tennis Hot Shot of the Year at a ceremony held last night at the Melbourne Zoo.

The ANZ Tennis Hot Shot of the Year competition recognises 12 aspiring tennis stars for best demonstrating the spirit of tennis through participation, enthusiasm and enjoyment of the game.

Overall winner, 9-year old TJ who was nominated in February, was awarded $5,000 cash, one year of free tennis coaching and a private lesson from program ambassador and former world No.8 Alicia Molik, to be held at his local tennis club with three friends.

While in Melbourne the competition’s 12 nominees will be treated to a VIP Australian Open experience which includes watching the world’s best battle it out for the Grand Slam title and the chance to practise their skills on the iconic Rod Laver Arena court with Alicia Molik.

“This is a dream come true – I love tennis and love playing it. I am so excited to win this award and have the chance to play on Rod Laver Arena, as well as see my favourite players compete at the Australian Open,” said TJ.

ANZ Tennis Hot Shots is Tennis Australia’s official development program specifically designed for primary school-aged children. Over the past year, more than 800,000 kids have enjoyed an ANZ Tennis Hot Shots experience in more than 2,500 venues across the country.

Carolyn Bendall, Head of Marketing, ANZ Australia said: “Over the past year this program has seen some impressive talent emerge from all over Australia. It’s fantastic to support tennis at a grass roots level and celebrate the achievements not only of the deserving winner but of all the players involved. We’ll be eagerly watching TJ and wish them the best of luck in their tennis career.”

For more information about the partnership between ANZ and the ANZ Tennis Hot Shots program visit http://hotshots.tennis.com.au/

ANZ Tennis Hot Shot of the Year

• To extend ANZ’s commitment to the future of Australian tennis, ANZ announced its sponsorship of Tennis Australia’s Tennis Hot Shot of the Year competition in 2014
• Through this initiative, ANZ recognises and rewards young tennis enthusiasts who best demonstrate the spirit of the game
• Monthly nominees receive a host of exciting prizes, including an equipment kit and a VIP trip to Australian Open 2015 in Melbourne
• The money-can’t-buy Australian Open experience offers 12 lucky winners (and a parent or guardian) the rare opportunity to attend an official ANZ Tennis Hot Shots Awards Night held at Melbourne Zoo, attend the Australian Open and play at Rod Laver Arena
• The winner receives $5,000, one year of free tennis coaching and a visit from Alicia Molik to their local tennis club for a private lesson with three friends