Warrnambool and Hamilton students took centre stage at Hisense Arena as part of the Hot Shots program designed to encourage youngsters to take up the sport.

Players from Port Fairy will also get an opportunity to have a hit at Melbourne Park on Thursday.

King’s College student Brydie Steel said she enjoyed the chance to play prior to the Alexander Zverev-Robin Haase first-round match.

Brydie, 9, said they spent 25 minutes working on their rallying skills.

“It was really cool. It was amazing, a good experience,” she said.

Warrnambool Indoor Tennis Centre’s Paige Haberfield said the players embraced the opportunity.

“They are really, really hot (after playing) but they are really excited,” she said shortly after they left Hisense Arena.

“I think they are still pumping with adrenaline.”

Three players from the group – Jemimah Ross, Luke Turner and Lacey Gleeson – also did coin tosses as part of the second day’s play at Melbourne Park.