Meet the women CALLING THE SHOTS!

IT'S NOT JUST THE PLAYERS THAT MAKES THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN SPECIAL

- Emma Levett

Donna Kelso 

Grand Slam Supervisor

For Donna Kelso, her love of tennis began at 8 years old when she won a racquet in a colouring-in competition. Lessons soon followed and, while it was clear she was never going to be a professional player, she had another goal in mind.

"I started line umpiring as a teenager and later when I was working as a travel agent, I'd take my holidays to umpire at Australian tournaments," Donna, 56, tells New Idea.

"It wasn't for the pay. We only got $7 a match but being involved in a world-class tennis event was exciting." And she was clearly very good, coming top of her class when she graduated from Sydney's international umpiring school.

"I wrote a letter to Wimbledon and asked if I could come and umpire there," the Sydneysider says.

"Age 20 I was accepted. Walking on to a court at Wimbledon was a defining moment for me. It was before I'd even umpired at the Australian Open."