Doveton teen Trent Cobb unloads on a forehand on his way to the singles title at the Casey Junior Masters last weekend.By Paul Pickering
AS the international tennis spotlight fell squarely on Melbourne Park last weekend, the future of the game in the City of Casey was on display for all to see at the Casey Junior Masters tournament in Narre Warren.
The tournament, which is part of the Optus Junior Points Tour, was held from Wednesday to Sunday and attracted elite youngsters from across the country – as well as seven competitors from Japan.
Perhaps the brightest star, though, was Doveton prodigy Trent Cobb.
Justifying his top seeding in the Under 16 Boys’ singles, the emerging left-hander cruised through the draw without losing a set in five matches.
The dominant performance caught the attention of many onlookers, not least of which was tournament chairman Paul Kleverlaan.
“He was seeded number one and he played that way,” Kleverlaan said this week, suggesting that Cobb will be a player to watch.
“He’s certainly been a fast improver in the last 12 to 18 months.”
Also receiving their share of support were Berwick brother and sister duo Andrew and Laura Rabinovic.
Andrew played his way into the final of the Under 18 Boys’ singles, while Laura took the runner-up trophies in the Under 12 Girls’ singles and doubles.
While the tennis at the Narre Warren complex was compelling viewing, Kleverlaan said there was always a crowd gathered in the clubrooms with an eye on Australian Open proceedings.
“The atmosphere was great,” he said.
“We had the TV going all weekend.”
