Two young talented Tauranga tennis players will get to taste what it's to play at the ASB Classic Arena after qualifying for January's youth-focused tournament.

Eleven-year-old Charlize Cashmore and 12-year-old Cullen Mccashin will take centre court competing in the new tennis tournament – ‘The Road to ASB Classic.' The tournament is hosted by Jaguar and Lavie Tennis Academy to give upcoming talent the chance to show their stuff at New Zealand's biggest tournament and win the inaugural Jaguar Cup.

'I'm looking forward to being amongst the amazing tennis stars and playing where they play. There will be so many people and it will be so much fun to be at such a special tennis event,” says Charlize.

The aim

The aim of the tournament is to develop the depth and breadth of Kiwi tennis talent – with it being more than 100 years since NZ had a player ranked in the world top 10.

'Hopefully I will meet some new pros and play against some other good players from around New Zealand,” says Cullen.

Charlize and Cullen locked in their tournament spots in November. The promising pair train at Papamoa Tennis Club and definitely put in the tennis mahi. 'I train almost every day – around seven hours a week,” says Cullen, who also coaches at his local club. 'I train five days a week and also do lots of tournaments,” says Charlize, who has had a racquet in hand since the age of six.

Exciting

Charlize says competing in January's tournament is an exciting opportunity to learn what it takes to make it to the top in the tennis world. 'I just want to take away the experience and know what I can achieve over the next few years if I train and play hard.”

The 32 kids selected from around NZ will play in four matches during the ASB Classic from January 11-14. Hundreds will be watching, as the young talent play ahead of the ASB Classic Men's Final on Saturday, January 14. Good luck Charlize and Cullen!