Former Capalaba State School student John Millman has joined fellow professional Queensland players Lizette Cabrera, JP Smith, Kim Birrell and Priscilla Hon to help grass roots tennis clubs recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The five are promoting the month-long Court is Calling campaign, which promotes tennis as a safe game to play, encouraging people to pick up a racquet and stay fit, and connected through a local club.
During September, clubs will open to showcase playing opportunities, including ANZ Tennis Hot Shots, social play, coaching, fitness programs and fixture options.
Before flying out to Flushing Meadows to rejoin the international tennis circuit, Millman (ranked 43 in the world) surprised Queensland tennis volunteers with virtual thank you calls to praise their help.
"We want to thank the volunteers and the clubs who are the real winners in this state," he said.
"Speaking from experience and someone who has grown up in the Queensland tennis community, it's the work done by clubs and volunteers who make it possible for me to go and play tennis around the world.
"It is my pleasure to lend my voice to the clubs who do so much for the Queensland community."
Tennis Queensland's chief executive Mark Handley said Millman's calls, with video recordings by each top player, would be published by Tennis Queensland across radio and social channels.
"Tennis is a sport that can be played with physical distancing in mind and our clubs in Queensland are perfectly positioned to offer a safe place to play and stay healthy," he said.
"We're seeing a lot of demand for tennis, with kids, families and friends hitting the court for fun and fitness in a safe environment."
"Our Queensland pros are always quick to support our grassroots programs because they know clubs are the lifeblood of our sport. I thank John, Lizette, JP, Kim and Pri for stepping up once again to give back to the tennis community."
Millman's dad, Ron, was a physical education teacher at Capalaba State College for 30 years.
