14 July 2015 | Tennis Queensland

The career of one of Australia’s tennis greats, Daphne Fancutt AM has been celebrated with the naming of a Brisbane amphitheatre in her honour.

Lord Mayor, Graham Quirk hosted the official unveiling on Saturday 11 July 2015 which also marked the 59th anniversary since Daphne competed in the Women’s Doubles Finals at Wimbledon. Mr Quirk thanked Daphne for contributions as a player but also for going the extra mile as a coach.

“Not only was Daphne a great player on the court but also she has kept that absolute love and passion for the game right through the years,” he said.

Daphne grew up in Central Queensland, the youngest of nine children. Her early tennis lessons were on a dirt court dug out by her father who coached Daphne from a book. She went on to become an international tennis champion representing Australia during the 1950’s and has spent the rest of her life giving back to the sport.

In 1962 Daphne and her husband Trevor founded the Fancutt’s Tennis Centre. She has spent the past 50 years coaching and mentoring players, and has developed some of Queensland’s best talent including Wendy Turnbull who went on win nine Grand Slam titles. She has also dedicated countless hours introducing more people to the sport and encouraging everyone from juniors to people with a disability to participate. She is still actively involved with Tennis Queensland as an Ambassador, Committee Member and President of the Fancutts Junior Tennis Club.

Daphne has received many accolades over the years for her contributions as a tennis player, coach and administrator including an Order of Australia, the Australian Sports Medal and Honorary Life Membership to Tennis Queensland.

The Daphne Fancutt Amphitheatre can be found at Ken Fletcher Park (adjacent to the Queensland Tennis Centre) and is listed as a place of interest on the Brisbane Tennis Trail.