1 September 2015 | Cheryl Jenkins

Reflecting back to the month of July, saw several Queensland Officials selected to officiate at a couple of truly memorable international tennis events. They rightly deserve recognition for achievements.

Shannon Walding from the Gold Coast, was selected to be a line umpire on the Wimbledon Ladies Final. This is truly a wonderful achievement for an official. To be selected to work any Grand Slam final is special, to be selected for an overseas Grand Slam is magnificent.

Three Queensland officials, Troy McKernan, Peter Rhind and David Best were selected as part of the line umpire officiating team in July’s Davis Cup tie held in Darwin.

David being his first Davis Cup tie, has jointed down a reflection of the weekend:

I have never officiated at a Davis Cup – so I was quite excited when I was selected for the World Group Quarter Final tie in Darwin.  It turned out to be a truly amazing experience.

There were officials represented from every State and Territory in Australia led by Wayne Spencer as Chief of Umpires.   The Chair Umpires for the event were Alison Hughes and James Keothavong from Great Britain.

The temporary venue set up for the event was impressive and Darwin turned on great weather.  

The first day saw the Australian team lose both matches – which was not really expected and I think everyone was in a bit of shock.

Day Two was the Doubles match which Australia had to win to stay in the tie.  A bigger crowd also turned up to watch  – and they were not disappointed – it was a great match – and Australia won. 

Day Three was one of those days where you love being an umpire.  Both teams wanted to win, the crowd was intense and noisy – but it was a great atmosphere.   

I think the highlight for me was being on court when Lleyton Hewitt won his match in the deciding tie.  The crowd and the Australian team went crazy!   

Then it was all over – and time to go home and back to reality!  A great weekend.

By David Best, Qld Official.

Upcoming events

• Court Supervisor Course
  Theory: 6-9:30pm 4 September and practical: 5-6 September at the Queensland Tennis Centre, Tennyson. Registrations close Monday 1 September.
  For further information contact Cheryl Jenkins – [email protected] Should minimum number of participants be meant, this course will be postponed.
• A Crossline Development afternoon will be held at the Queensland Tennis Centre, Tennyson on the 20 September. Invitations have been sent to the appropriate officials. This is an opportunity for many line umpires to gain valuable knowledge and tips before a busy Pro Tour swing for Queensland officials.
• The end of September will see many Queensland officials head just over the NSW border to officiate during the Tweed Coast Pro Tour from 29 September through to 4 October.  We wish everyone involved a great officiating week.