Home » News » Kalkallo youngster interviews Djokovic

Kalkallo youngster interviews Djokovic

Aspiring Kalkallo tennis player Brooklyn Monaco had his dreams come true after being selected to interview ten-time Australian Open Men’s Singles Champion Novak Djokovic at Government House.

Brooklyn was selected from more than 170 Tennis Hot Shots players to chat with the tennis great and witness the prized men’s single trophy.

Brooklyn said it was a “pretty cool experience”.

“I saw all his fans waiting outside, and I didn’t have to wait to see him,” he said.

“He was very tall and very nice.”

Brooklyn said Novak gave him some helpful advice which has inspired him to pick up a racket and start regular tennis lessons.

“I asked him when he was my age did he think he would win ten Australian Open titles.

“He said no he didn’t, but when he was younger he used to make this trophy [and] he said he would be the champion of the US Open in ten years time.

“He told me to follow my dreams.”

Brooklyn said he even got to hold the trophy.

“We were told we weren’t allowed to touch the trophy but he put it on my lap!

“It was very light, I could lift it with a pinky.”

Brooklyn said he was very excited to tell his friends in year three about the experience.

“I am going to show everyone the photos,” he said.

Digital Editions


  • Step into the dark

    Step into the dark

    A different way of being entertained is coming to Werribee in March with Transmission – into the dark. The sell-out hit of Melbourne and Adelaide…

More News

  • Local art on show

    Local art on show

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 505473 The Woodend Lions Club are gearing up for its annual art show. In its 51st year, the show will feature local artists of…

  • Community Calendar

    Community Calendar

    International Women’s Day Whittlesea Whittlesea Jumbunna Country Women’s Association is hosting an International Women’s Day event in Whittlesea Township from 1pm to 3pm on Friday 6 March at the Whittlesea…

  • My Place

    My Place

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 536627 Theresa Micallef has been the first face to greet visitors at hospitals across Hume for over 40 years. She spoke to Courtney Black…

  • Talent League fixture released

    Talent League fixture released

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 471376 The Talent League seasons will kick off in late March. The boys season will kick off on the weekend of 21 March and…

  • Cleopatra performance showcases local talent

    Cleopatra performance showcases local talent

    A powerful new ballet is set to captivate audiences in Caroline Springs this March, as a cast of passionate adult performers present Cleopatra, The Last Pharaoh at the Catholic Regional…

  • Teenage artist reimagines mother nature

    Teenage artist reimagines mother nature

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 536538 At just 19 years old, Maryam Zuhair has publicly exhibited her first collection of paintings, ‘Mother Nature’s Creation’ in Craigieburn. Zuhair said she…

  • Skate park takes air

    Skate park takes air

    The new Olivine Skate Park in Donnybrook has officially opened, offering a vibrant space for local young people and families to enjoy. The park’s opening was celebrated at a community…

  • Push for women’s refuge

    Push for women’s refuge

    The Women’s Community Shelters (WCS) charity is calling for community support to help establish a women’s and children’s shelter in Hume. WCS chief executive Annabelle Daniel said there is a…

  • From the archives

    From the archives

    Star Weekly looks back on the pages of our predecessors. 10 years ago 22 March, 2016 Hume has experienced a 43 per cent hike in gun crime in 12 months,…

  • State urged to protect green wedges

    State urged to protect green wedges

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 246677 Whittlesea councillors have called on the state government to protect green wedge areas from urban sprawl after council approved a plan for a…