Smith, now based in Brisbane, featured in her maiden Grand Slam event alongside rising Australian star Destanee Aiava in the women’s doubles.

But the on-court experience would last 79 minutes as the Smith-Aiava combination went down in the opening round to American duo Lauren Davis and Megan Moulton-Levy 6-4 6-4.

Despite the defeat, Smith soaked up the experience on Court 20 at Melbourne Park and will fondly remember this week.

Smith told The Leader before Wednesday’s match she chatted with Venus Williams and had a photo with Rafael Nadal.

Tenterfield is riding the wave with American Donald Young, representing the club.

Young opened with a straight sets first-round win, while the injury withdrawal of Juan Martin Del Potro hurt West Tamworth.

The club’s substitute player Ekaterina Alexandrova bowed out in the first round.