Sport
10 May, 2026
Four mates just love tennis
TENNIS is everything to four primary school boys from Mossman Tennis Club who are travelling huge distances each week to hone their tennis skills.
For the past year, each Thursday afternoon after school, Flynn Wisniewski, Xaiden Bower, Nate Bender and Jaxon Fasano have travelled to the International Tennis Centre in Cairns to be coached at Baseline Tennis Coaching Academy, while also competing in the Junior Development Series (JDS) which means more travel to Cairns, Innisfail and Mareeba on the weekends.
On Mondays, the youngsters compete in the local Junior Matchplay at Port Douglas tennis courts and are currently waiting for the new tennis cover at Mossman courts to be completed. The construction commenced late last year which meant that tennis on the courts was suspended. It is hoped the courts will reopen in late May.
Jaxon Fasano believes it is well worth the effort.
“It is a long drive to get there, but I like it because we get to play against players who are better than us which helps push me to get better,” he said.
“The training is very organised and I feel more challenged which I like. JDS events improve my match play because you play all different types of people with different techniques and that helps improve my tennis and make new friends,” he said.
Xaiden Bower believes his skills are improving along with having a fun day out with his mates.
“The JDS events are really good as I meet a lot of new kids that are at a higher level which pushes me to improve my skills,” he said.
Nate Bender just loves going.
“The coaches are really good and help me improve skills like my serve and topspin,” he said.
“I enjoy the JDS events because it’s fun to compete, improve and learn from other players.”
Flynn Wisniewski admitted he loves tennis lessons in Cairns.
“It’s a long drive but it’s worth it,” he said. “The coaches are all really nice, very knowledgeable and it’s a such a fun environment. The JDS tournaments are great because you get to play lots of matches and put the skills you’ve learnt in lessons to the test.”
Recently, Flynn was Green Ball runner up in the latest JDS competition at Mareeba.
When the Mossman tennis courts reopen, club coach Herold Prins will be coaching on Tuesday for Green Ball from 8-9am, Wednesday from 3.15-5pm for Red Ball, plus Orange Ball and Green Ball and Active tennis for high schoolers and adults from 5-6pm. Details from Mr Prins on 0423 917 503.
