Former tennis world number one Ash Barty surprises Sydney students

Tennis great Ash Barty has surprised a group of Sydney students on her mission to inspire the next generation of star players.

Transcript

00:00It might not be Serena Williams, but Ash Barty has met her match.

00:07I'm really a good tennis player and I'm excited that I get to meet someone that's really good at tennis.

00:16Because Ash Barty is like my favourite tennis player.

00:19The four-time Grand Slam winner is celebrating her school's challenge.

00:23It gives primary students the chance to pick up the racket and showcase their skills.

00:28It makes me smile because it takes me back to my journey, the beginning of my journey,

00:33when I was picking up a racket for the first time.

00:35You, like, get to learn a lot of new skills like forehands, backhand smashes.

00:40100 schools across the country participated, filming their sessions before a winner was selected.

00:47It's been an incredible year to see all of the entries come in because you've seen skills from kids in all different ways,

00:53in all different facets, not just with a tennis racket.

00:56This year, Redeemer Baptist School in Western Sydney took the crown.

01:00I was really, really pleased for the students because they just put so much effort into the game.

01:07The challenge isn't just about teaching students practical skills on the court.

01:12It's also about equipping them with life lessons off the court as well.

01:17Tennis and in sport can give you the tools to be able to learn resilience in a fast-tracked way.

01:23To never give up playing tennis and to keep going even if you win and lose.

01:29Lifelong lessons from one of the greats.

01:32Good job!

01:33Predator teve all.

01:43She's bold.

01:47She's the best led by us.