LIAM DURKIN
TENNIS
TRARALGON INTERNATIONAL
By LIAM DURKIN
TRARALGON local Josh Charlton flew the flag for the region at the ATP Challenger event.
Charlton received a wildcard into the main draw, and had the honour of playing an
internationally recognised event on courts he had grown up on.
Although he went down to Argentinian Pedro Cachin, Charlton said he enjoyed reconnecting with the club that had given him his start in the game.
“It’s not very often you get to play this level of tennis at your home club, so it is a great opportunity to go out there and compete and just have a lot of fun,” he said.
“I think the experience is invaluable. The more opportunities you get at this level the more comfortable you get and the better you play, the more the nerves settle so you can just focus on playing your style of tennis.”
Charlton flew back to America on Sunday to start the college season with the University of Oregon.
“I will compete in my college season from January to around early June, then have three months off in the American summer, travel and play a pretty heavy ITF schedule aiming to compete and build a professional ranking and look to progress from there,” he explained.
Although the Traralgon ATP event marked the first time Charlton had been back home in a little over 12 months, the man himself said it was great to still have a strong connection with his local club.
“It was pretty special to see how many people came out to support, a lot of family and friends and a lot of people I have grown up with around the club for many years, it was really nice to see them come out and support me … I appreciate it a lot,” he said.
“There are a lot of people at the club who have had a lot to do with me and helped me along the way. I look forward to growing as a player while being part of the Traralgon Tennis Club.”
