All-rounder Chris Green and British batsman Alex Hales wanted to pay homage to the tennis roots of their families by switching their cricket bats for a tennis racquet.

Green is the son of two Wimbledon professional tennis players - Lisa and Warren Green - and picked up a racquet to face his teammate in a match at Sydney Olympic Park's tennis courts.

"We try and play every year, he's come out fortunately for us to play some cricket for the last three years so we're always trying to sneak a game," he said.

"Last year we played a lot in Canberra. So it's nice to come out to Homebush and have a game. I played a lot of junior tennis out here and trained a lot out here. It's something I really enjoy.

"It's a big part of my family, massive part of my upbringing and I have a huge love for the game. So it's a summer of cricket but I always love the summer of tennis as well."

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The 28-year-old grew up playing alongside world No.93 Nick Kyrgios and world No.75 Jordan Thompson.

Canberra star Kyrgios was getting a hit-out on the court next to the Thunder duo during their match.

"It's good to see up close and personal. I spent a lot of time playing against them, with them as well - him and Jordan Thompson - growing up playing junior tennis, so I've certainly lost a long way and I've been left behind," he laughed.

"It's great to see some proper tennis being played behind us, and Alex and I just try and hold our own and entertain each other enough."

Hales has tennis in his veins as well, with his grandfather Dennis Hales a talented player who once forced Australia's Rod Laver to five sets at a Wimbledon qualifying event.

The 32-year-old said the match against Green built camaraderie and a competitive edge, similar to the team's golf days.

"Tennis has always been in my family. My dad was a reasonably good player as well. I guess it's in the genes and it's always been a huge passion of mine. So any chance I get to play, especially in facilities like this, I definitely take it," he said.

"We've only played four or five games. I'm absolutely drenched on a court next to Kyrgios and the other pros. I don't know how those guys do it, their fitness is unbelievable."

The duo will hope their skills transfer onto the cricket pitch at Manuka Oval on Tuesday night for their match against the undefeated BBL leaders the Perth Scorchers.

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