This became a reality for South Bendigo Tennis Club junior James Rykers who was given the once in a lifetime opportunity to be an ANZ Coin Crew member at the 2022 Australian Open.

The 12-year-old avid tennis player was selected by his club for the task, which saw him toss the pre-match coin for the round two clash between Kamil Majchrzak and Australian star Alex de Minaur.

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"I was a little bit nervous but at the same time I was really excited to meet Alex de Minaur," Rykers admitted.

This year's ANZ Commemorative Coin celebrates the career of Australian tennis player Margaret Molesworth who won the inaugural women's singles title at the Australasian Championships 100 years ago in 1922.

ANZ managing director retail banking Katherine Bray said it was a thrill for junior players to have the chance to toss the coin on centre court at the Australian Open.

"We are so proud to support the dreams of young tennis players and provide them with a once in a lifetime opportunity to flip the ANZ Commemorative Coin on the iconic Australian Open courts," she said.

"Meeting some of the best tennis players in the world is such a memorable experience for the children and ANZ is honoured to play a part in making it happen for them."

2022 marks the fifth year of the ANZ Commemorative Coin - with previous years featuring Dylan Alcott OAM, Rod Laver AC MBE, Evonne Goolagong Cawley AC MBE, and Kerry Melville Reid MBE and Judy Tegart Dalton AM.

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Nerves aside, Rykers was thrilled for the opportunity and now one day hopes to become a professional.

"I love tennis," Rykers said.

"It's very fun and I like how it can be both an individual sport but also a team game."

Rykers has been playing tennis since he was a 3-year-old and was chosen by his coach Aydin Fitzgerald for the special task.

Once the action was underway, de Minaur went on to win the match in straight sets 6-4 6-4 6-2 to progress to the third round clash against Pablo Andjar which he also won without hindrance 6-4 6-4 6-2.

However, after progressing to the fourth round de Minaur was defeated by Jannik Sinner 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 6-4.

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