Groups of AMES youth students from Box Hill, Dandenong, Noble Park, Footscray and St Albans have been visiting the Australian Open tennis tournament this week.

Despite high temperatures, a group of about 20 students and staff from Dandenong and Box Hill enjoyed an entertaining day and watched some great matches on Wednesday.

The students met at around 9am at Rod Laver Arena where Tennis Victoria supplied tickets for the day and an informative tour of the grounds.

AMES AMEP Counsellor Tim Cole said a highlight of the day was seeing Roger Federer practice.

“After the conclusion of the ground tour we ended up at the practice courts and were able to see Roger Federer practicing. Despite the heat people were in good spirits and the tennis was awesome,” Tim said.

The students were able to go and see which ever match interested them and could come and go from the grounds as they pleased.

There were also many exhibits, an Australian Open store to buy souvenirs and a live band playing in the gardens.

“Personally, I was impressed and stayed until 7pm watching the tennis and enjoying the atmosphere,” Tim said.

For more information on this story, contact Margot Hennessy on: 8558 8800.