Tennis: Marina Erakovic a charmer at fundraising event

New Zealand No1 Marina Erakovic in action at Mount Maunganui yesterday. Photo/Geroge Novak

Kiwi number 1 Marina Erakovic was the star attraction at a coaching clinic and fundraiser at the Mount Maunganui Tennis Club yesterday.

New Zealand's one-and-only internationally ranked player charmed the large crowd of budding young tennis players - and their appreciative parents - with her friendly approach.

The Wrights Sports and Wilson Balls sponsored event saw Erakovic play a series of matches with participants paying for the pleasure as part of the host club's clubhouse renovation project. A highlight of the afternoon was her doubles match with Mount's 12-year-old star Kalais Going and local coaches Peter Blow and Andy Donald.

Erakovic, who has a career high world ranking of 25 in doubles and 39 in singles, says there is plenty of talent in New Zealand but the best young players have to go overseas to have a chance of making it professionally.

"It is plain and simple enough - they have to go," Erakovic said.

"There is a certain point where you can get to here but after that to improve you have to see what is going on overseas and get competition."

The 26-year-old says there is no reason why another Kiwi player cannot make the top 100 but the cost is a big factor.

"One of the major things is obviously funding and sponsorship to get these youngsters to go and play overseas, and not many people - if any - can afford it. Tennis in New Zealand isn't the top sport and that is a shame but that's the way it is. It is tough but I think there is still a chance to produce players."

Erakovic enjoyed catching up again with Peter Blow, who once coached her.

"I do remember him taking us on a trip to Brisbane; I think it was the under-14s. Peter is a great guy, very funny and very creative, especially with youngsters. There was a lot of enjoyment when he took us on his trips."

Erakovic said she loves interacting with young tennis players at coaching clinics like yesterday at Mount Maunganui.

"I really enjoy interacting with the youngsters and really enjoy what is going on. I look at myself when I was a kid and Brett Steven came, or one year Michael Chang came from the States.

"It is super exciting and it actually made me want to play more tennis - so it was a good thing," she said.