The build-up to the Australian Open tennis tournament started back in December with the Hopman Cup in Perth.

It was followed by tournaments in Brisbane, Sydney, Hobart and Melbourne before the first grand slam of the year was played.

I’ve been a regular visitor to Melbourne Park during previous years and always hoped that one day I’d get to work there.

This year my dream came true. I spent the past three weeks volunteering with Tennis Australia as part of the Australian Open digital team.

During this time I wrote pieces for the official Australian Open and Tennis Australia websites and the Australian Tennis Magazine, provided live text commentary and helped the social media team.

I was one of many journalists covering the Australian Open. The media centre, where I was based, was a constant buzz with journalists from all over the world reporting for their respective employers. It was an eye-opening experience and much different from working in the humble Mail-Times newsroom.

We were only metres from the Rod Laver Arena court and as I sat at my desk I could hear Sharapova’s shrieking and it was common to see past and present players walking past. I even saw Rafael Nadal do his final warm-up just minutes before he walked on court for Sunday night’s epic final.

I had to pinch myself when I spoke to players such as Bernard Tomic or walked past the likes of John McEnroe and Pat Rafter in the office. My favourite interviews were

with two top 20 women’s singles players Daniela Hantuchova and Sabine Lisicki; both are players I have long admired.

Hobbling around the Melbourne Park precinct on crutches because of a broken leg was certainly an added challenge, but it was all worth it and even had its advantages. After I finished my interview with Lisicki, we shared stories about how difficult crutches are to use. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face that day.

Tomorrow I’ll be on the sidelines supporting my Central Park A Grade team-mates. After spending the past three weeks watching the world’s best play, I might have to lower my expectations. Who knows though?

Helen might surprise me with an Azarenka-like power game, Keith might produce some Djokovic-like forehands and Roger could impress with Monfils-like slides on court.

We’ll have to wait and see, no pressure team.