By Laura Michell
If 11-year-old Joel was nervous when he stepped out onto Rod Laver Arena to toss the coin at the Australian Open men’s final on Sunday, January 30, he wasn’t showing it.
The Mill Park Tennis Club player – who was the number one ranked Victorian under-11s boy as of December 2021 – was grinning from ear-to-ear as he greeted Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev before tossing the coin.
Joel’s father, Roney, said the youngster was so excited to be playing a role in the final.
“I thought he would be nervous but he was smiling and very confident. I think he was very excited,” he said.
Roney said Joel, whose favourite tennis player is Nick Kyrgios, started playing tennis at age five and started competing at seven.
Mill Park Tennis Club took to its Facebook page on the night of the final to congratulate Joel.
What a great night for Joel,” the post said.
“Joel plays competition for Mill Park and he has been a lifetime student of the club’s coaching team.
“Congrats Joel on tonight and your continued hard work”
Meanwhile, Epping’s Mia, 11, was chosen to toss the coin at women’s doubles finals.
