Mel’s ‘very proud mum moment’

Countless sets, Saturdays, serves and strokes — done alongside a host of doubles partners.

But there’s something extra special about who she’s playing with this season.

Daughter Ziah, still only 17, is joining her on the grass courts — their first match together last Saturday against Colbinabbin.

“It was really enjoyable, and I think it’s a privilege to actually be on the court with your daughter,” Mel said.

“We played really well and our opposition was lovely, making Ziah feel really welcome.

“I think she was a bit nervous to start with but she settled in really well.

“She hits the ball beautifully, and it was a really nice day to just be on the court.

“A very proud mum moment.”

Regardless of the score, Mel would have enjoyed playing with Ziah.

But it’s even better when you win — which they did in a nail-biter, 7-6.

The match also prompted Mel to reflect on her daughter’s development.

“It’s nice to watch your kids grow through a sport and then be old enough to play with you,” she said.

And who better than Ziah to learn from than her experienced mum, particularly as the youngster adapts to senior tennis.

“It's different to junior tennis in that the ball comes at you consistently harder, but she likes hard hitting,” Mel said.

“She's enjoying it, which is most important.”

Of course, it’s not always seamless when the parent-child dynamic moves from the home to competitive sport.

But it’s not an issue for the Haines’.

“We're pretty close,” Mel said.

“If we hit a bad ball we just laugh it off and move on, make a bit of a joke of it.

“I just try and encourage her really, that's my aim.

“Just encourage her to be the best she can be.”

And they aren’t the only such combo in the team, with Condliffes Katie and Harrison also pairing up.

LBU also seems set for more success this time around after recording its first win — 11-1 on sets against Colbo.

Colbo was the division two champion last season.

Given LBU’s margin of victory, the merge from two senior grades to one has likely lowered the competition’s quality.

But the club won’t mind, already surpassing a winless division one season last time out.