A dream come true for rising New Zealand tennis star Marina Erakovic.

The 16-year-old spent two hours hitting with her idol, former world
number one Monica Seles at Auckland's ASB Tennis centre on Monday
morning.

Seles is in the country for two exhibition matches against Martina
Navratilova this week.

Erakovic says it was a tremendous experience practicing with one of
the game's greats.

She says it is not just her game, but she loves her determination and
will on the court.

Erakovic admits she was a little apprehensive heading into the
session.

She says she was kind of nervous when she arrived at the courts but
Seles is so easy going and it was great to talk to her.

Erakovic says it was a very beneficial hit up.

She says tennis wise everybody hits the ball back but the intensity
Seles trains with is much different and it is something she wants to
aspire to.

Erakovic, fresh from winning the doubles at the Australian Junior
Open, now heads to Wellington for an ITF Futures tournament starting
on Tuesday.