Vixens try their back hand at tennis

Friday, 2 December 2011
RECENT VIXENS NEWS:

Vixens Bianca Chatfield and Madison Browne will pair up on the tennis court to compete in the Battle of the Codes on Saturday 10 December. 

Chatfield and Browne join an all-star line up from football, cricket and basketball teams such as Collingwood FC, Richmond FC, St Kilda FC, Melbourne Storm, Melbourne and Western Bulldogs, Melbourne Stars and the Melbourne Rebels, to be crowned the tennis championship team at Melbourne Park.

Although speedy and skilful on the netball court, Browne admits the same can't be said for her tennis skills. However, she has a few tricks up her sleeve.

"My strategy going into the tournament is to let Bianca do all the work and bask in her glory. I hope she's been practicing because Im relying on her to pull us through,"Browne says.

The free event will feature doubles pairings from sixteen different Melbourne clubs who will swap their football, bat or basketball for a tennis racquet as part of a new showcase to encourage fans to soak up the sporting atmosphere at Melbourne Park.
Chatfield, who has just returned home after competing in the World FastNet Netball Series in Liverpool, has her own secret weapon courtesy of a tennis star.
"I scored one of Novak Djokovic's racquets after he won the final last year - hopefully that brings me some serious skill and luck," Chatfield says.
Although males dominate the tournament, Chatfield and Browne are confident they will hold their own on court and if worse comes to worst, they'll enjoy a good laugh.

"We might come away with a few bruises from some bullets from the guys but I'm sure we'll look the best in a tennis skirt and will give it a good go at the very least well come away with sore stomachs from laughter," Browne said.

Battle of the Codes will run during December Showdown, a showcase of tennis at all levels and features more than 2500 matches during the three-week carnival.

For more information on Battle of the Codes visit: www.tennis.com.au\battleofthecodes2011