Tennis star Sam Groth to play key role in fight for Liberals in Victoria's election

Former tennis star Sam Groth has been selected as the Liberal candidate for the marginal seat of Nepean at Victoria's election in November.

The former world No.53 male player turned Channel 9 commentator was last night selected as the Liberal candidate for the seat, which Labor holds by less than one per cent.

The seat of Nepean covers the southernmost part of the Mornington Peninsula - an area that has been hard-hit throughout the pandemic with many businesses crippled by travel and COVID-19 restrictions.

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Mr Groth and his wife Britt are raising their young twin boys, Mason and Parker, in Blairgowrie, having moved there in 2020.

When Mr Groth announced he was submitting his application for selection for the seat, he released a statement declaring his appreciation of the area.

"Nepean is a great place to live, work and raise a family, and the pandemic has encouraged even more Victorians to call the Mornington Peninsula home," he wrote.

"My background, discipline, career, media profile and community work, will give the Liberal Party a terrific opportunity to preselect a long-term Member of Parliament who will fight for Nepean every single day."

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The 34-year-old told 9News he was spurred on to run after Victoria's six COVID-19 lockdowns and is prepared to represent the area to the best of his ability.

"This is a full-time job. I'm not here to be a half-time candidate, I'm not here to be a half-time MP," he said.

"I've got a lot to learn, there's no doubt about that, but I had a lot to learn going into a pre-selection, I had a lot to learn when I took on a tennis career and a media career.

"And for me it's about putting that right team around me and getting that guidance."

Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has taken to Twitter to congratulate Mr Groth.

"You were a champion on the court and now you will bring that drive and determination to the task ahead in Nepean," Mr Frydenberg wrote.

Winning back the seat of Nepean will be critical for the Liberals in November's state election.

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy has said his party is "prepared to do everything it takes to win the seat back".