20 April 2018 | Tennis Victoria

Tennis Victoria Pennant is set to begin as hundreds of teams from across the Melbourne metropolitan area take to the courts this weekend.

Pennant is the largest inter-club competition in Australia and will celebrate its 135th year of play. In excess of 4000 players will take part in Pennant, which is an integral component of Victoria’s winter season of sport.

In 2018, 131 clubs will participate in Pennant with 417 teams playing approximately 140000 rubbers.

2017 Grade one champions Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club (men) and Centre Court Indoor (women) will again be looking to have strong seasons, following their impressive victories in the competition’s top grade last year.

Tennis Victoria Competitions Coordinator Tyler Krumholz says the start of the 2018 Tennis Victoria Pennant season can’t come quick enough.

“There’s a real sense of excitement about this weekend and I know all matches will be played in the right spirit,” Krumholz said.

“Moving to a digital handbook and online scoresheets alongside an increased focus on the new National Player Rating system will help modernise the longest-running tennis league in Australia.

“This competition has a long and proud history and I’m confident 2018 will be a season to remember.”

Tennis Victoria Pennant is structured so that singles and doubles matches alternate each week in a home and away format.

The season runs for five months with sectional finals and grand finals to follow.

For more information on Tennis Victoria Pennant; including teams, fixtures and results during the year – click here.

KEY DATES:
– Season commences Saturday 21 April / Sunday 22 April
– BREAK: Queen’s Birthday weekend Saturday 9 June / Sunday 10 June
– BREAK: School Holiday break (Middle weekend) Saturday 7 July / Sunday 8 July
– Sectional Finals commences Saturday 11 August / Sunday 12 August
– Grade Finals commences Saturday 18 August