Young gun Jaimee Fourlis holds grand designs for her future in tennis

A TEENAGE schoolgirl with a soft spot for AFL team Collingwood, puppy dogs and Melbourne’s world-class shopping is Australia’s best kept secret at this year’s Australian Open.

Jaimee Fourlis is balancing tennis with study. Picture: Stuart Walmsley

A TEENAGE schoolgirl with a soft spot for AFL team Collingwood, puppy dogs and Melbourne’s world-class shopping is Australia’s best kept secret at this year’s Australian Open.

Melbourne teen Jaimee Fourlis will today make her grand slam debut at her home town tournament in what she hopes is the first of many professional appearances.

Fourlis, 17, will this year balance year 12 studies with her pursuit of a life on the pro tour, hitting the books in a makeshift classroom at the National Tennis Centre before hitting the court.

Her biggest thrill so far this summer has been playing with her family’s new pet puppy, Darcy.

But when she steps on to court 13 for a showdown with US veteran Anna Tatishvili, the Preston girl will realise a lifetime dream.

“It’s an amazing feeling to think I will be playing in the Australian Open.

“I honestly can’t wait — hopefully everyone comes and supports me.’’

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While the spotlight has shone on Narre Warren teen Destanee Aiava, 16, in the build-up to this year’s Open, Fourlis has happily earned her spot the hard way.

Fourlis lost to “really good friend” Aiava in the final of the Under 18 Australian Championships then promptly won her way through the wildcard playoff.

After idolising Alicia Molik and Justine Henin as a child, she expected to be star struck walking past global stars at Melbourne Park

But she would not be daunted today against a woman with 12 years’ more experience on the pro tour and more than $1.5 million more in career earnings.

“It should be a really good match,’’ she said.

Fourlis trains for two hours before school and for more than an hour afterwards five days a week. She also hits the court on Saturdays.

The Pies fan is not sure what she will do with the biggest payday of her life but suspects the bulk of it will be spent on travel, food for her Maltese shih tzu and a little shopping splurge.

“Probably a bit of clothes, a bit of everything,’’ she said.

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