A five-year-old described by Launceston Tennis World head coach James Bolzonello as having “talent and determination beyond his years”, Chase has been playing for less than three years but already harbours dreams of a French Open title and becoming world no. 1.

Such is the Launceston Church Grammar student’s love for tennis that the sole item on his Christmas present wish list is a ticket to January’s Australian Open. 

“I’ve got three favourite players,” Chase said. 

“Djokovic is my favourite, next is Rafael and then Roger Federer. Sometimes (I play like) Roger Federer.”

Chase has been under Bolzonello’s wing for the past 12 months and has developed an impressive technique as well as the ability to rally consistently from mid-court. 

His Grammar schoolmates were invited to see him train at the Launceston Regional Tennis Centre earlier this week, and the youngest of parents Kathryn and Troy’s two children was unfazed by having to perform in front of his peers. 

“He has developed really quickly and he’s obviously passionate and puts a lot of time in,” Bolzonello said of his young star. 

“When he’s not here I think he’s spending time hitting balls at home so that obviously helps with all his development.

“Kids at that age can be quite skilled if they are putting in the time and effort.”

Bolzonello said while it was difficult to put a marker on Chase’s progress, the youngster was right up there for tennis players of his age and experience. 

“He’s tracking really well,” Bolzonello said.

“It’s hard to compare him with kids at that age that are that ability because you don’t have too many, so you compare them with other kids you see on social media at that age and he seems to be tracking along quite well with the best kids in the world.

“Hopefully he stays dedicated and he obviously enjoys the sport.

“He obviously wants to be a tennis player and if that continues he’s got every chance in the world to become a good tennis player.”