30 January 2024 | Tennis Tasmania

After a decade-long hiatus, the Australian Seniors Championships returned to Tasmania drawing in over 1,000 tennis enthusiasts and players.

The first week saw the teams carnival played across 10 different clubs in the south of Tasmania with teams from across Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, and China competing in age divisions ranging from 30 to over 85.

Members of the Tasmanian Over 65 team, Dennis Harding and Bruce Archer enjoyed the event as well as their own performance on the court.

“What I’ve loved the most is speaking to players from the other states – they are just so friendly,” Dennis Harding said.

“Although winning is great, we just want to enjoy ourselves, enjoy each other’s company and enjoy playing with each other and playing good tennis,” Bruce Archer said.

Rebecca Cai, representing China in the women’s 50+ teams event was joined by Alumni from the South Chinese University of Technology.

“I enjoyed playing with Aussie players because they are so nice, we feel at home,” said Rebecca Cai.

The World ITF Masters 1000 tournament followed with 277 players from across the world including Sweden, France, Japan, China, Hong Kong, India, UK, USA, Canada, Uruguay, Lithuania and more.

The Championships featured a few world champions and world number 1 players in their age category, including Glen Busby (VIC) who is the current world #1 in the Men’s 65+ age group and former world #1, Kerry Ballard (NSW) who took home the title in the women’s 75+ age group.

Leanne Scott from Blackrock, Victoria competed in the women’s 65+ age group and loved being able to compete whilst enjoying lots of what Tasmania has to offer.

“I love Tasmania. Love your hospitality, your courts, your food, your wine, your oysters – it’s just fantastic. It has been a great 2 weeks,” Leanne Scott said.

President of Seniors Tennis in Australia, Michael Evans mentioned that the Australian Senior Championship is the highlight of the Australian Seniors Tennis Calendar.

“The MT1000 is the second-highest event for seniors worldwide and Hobart has once again proved to be an amazing experience for players,” Michael Evans said.

The Australian Seniors Championships was supported by the Tasmanian Government through Events Tasmania.