Recently retired Queenstown-based tennis professional Ben McLachlan handed the racket over to rising star Kai Milburn at the weekend.
Milburn is ranked 180th in the world at present and is competing regularly in grade 1 tournaments, which is one level below grand slam.
Fundrasing through tickets to watch Friday’s exhibition match, entry for the tournament on Saturday and a silent auction raised about $45,000, which will help with Milburn’s travel costs as he continues to travel around the world playing in tournaments to increase his ranking.
Later this month, Milburn will head to Malaysia and Thailand, where he will work hard to increase his ranking in order to be able to enter grand slam-level tournaments.
Milburn’s goal is to be ranked within the top 60 players in the world, so he can enter Junior Wimbledon.
"It’s awesome to see a next generation of tennis coming through", McLachlan said.
Hoping to carry on McLachlan’s legacy, Milburn thanked the former world number 18 for being his inspiration.
"Ben’s retirement gives me a good opportunity to rise to the occasion, and show the world what I am capable of."
In a speech, Milburn said he was grateful for the community’s support with the fundraiser.
"I can’t thank the community enough. They bring a positive environment for me to strive", he said.
