Andrew Whittington’s rise through the tennis ranks has accelerated this week, but he still found time for his favourite team.

The 23 year old tennis player is through to the second round of the Australian Open after recording his first ever grand slam win.

But despite the demands of his sporting career, he makes sure he stays across the progress of his other sporting passion.

“As long as I have been following football I have been going for the Bombers, I enjoy watching them, even when I’m overseas, I get out the Essendon App and live stream it,” Whittington said. 

“Hopefully they have a great start to the season, and kick it off well against the Hawks.” 

Prior to heading out onto the court for his doubles win, Whittington received a special message from Bombers star Dyson Heppell.

“It was really cool to see that, I was going to reply back but I was just about head out for my doubles match,” Whittington said.

Essendon’s All-Australian Defender Michael Hurley presented Whittington with his very own guernsey yesterday and was excited to meet him.

“I haven’t met many tennis players before, so it was nice to hear the way he goes about it and how the last few days have gone for him,” Hurley said.

“He’s a local boy from Williamstown, so to hear that he is a Bomber supporter is great. Hopefully we can get him to a few games this season.”

Whittington was just as eager to make sure he watched his beloved Bombers play at least once in the 2017 season.

“Hopefully when I’m in town, I’ll come along and support the boys and fingers crossed they will put on a good show and get the win as well,” he said.