1 February 2019 | Tennis Victoria

As the dust settles on an amazing Australian Open, there have been many highlights during what is the biggest time of the year for the sport.

During the first week of the tournament, the Tennis Victoria Volunteers’ Breakfast was held at the MCG. The event saw the presentation of not only the prestigious Community Champion Awards but also the acknowledgement of Tennis Victoria’s 20th Life Member.

Judy Dalton was awarded Life Membership in front of more than 400 guests due to her incredible career both and off the court.

Dalton’s playing career was thrust into the spotlight when she and eight other top female players joined the ‘Virginia Slims tour’ in 1971 (the ‘Original 9’ included: Billie Jean King, Rosie Casals, Nancy Richey, Judy Dalton, Kerry Melville Reid, Julie Heldman, Peaches Bartkowicz, Kristy Pigeon and Valerie Ziegenfuss). She was a pioneer for gender equality and as a result the women’s tennis governing body, the WTA, was able to be formed.

Her playing highlights included reaching a career high ranking of No.7 in the world in 1968, the same year she made the Wimbledon singles final. The Fed Cup was extremely important to her, tasting success in 1965 and 1970. Since retiring, Dalton continues to be a prominent figure in promoting the game and serves as president of the Fed Cup Foundation.

Following receiving the Life Membership of Tennis Victoria, Dalton then was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her exceptional contribution to tennis and gender equality.

Congratulations to Judy Dalton.