17 January 2024 | Tennis Victoria

In August 2023, the fourth edition of the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival (NITC) was hosted in Darwin. Over 160 First Nations aspiring tennis players visited Darwin International Tennis Centre and took part in celebrating the cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people through tennis, culture, community and wellbeing.

The NITC was first launched in 2018 and is an annual four-day event centred around culture, community, tennis, education, and wellbeing. The carnival features two streams – one for participation (teams competition), and another for performance (tournament), in both the 14/u and 18/u age groups.

Two of Victoria’s superstars Lewis Murray and Zane Ryan competed for Victoria at the NITC. Fourteen-year-old Lewis Murray from Victoria won his second-consecutive National Indigenous Tennis Carnival title in the 14-and-under mixed event.

Zane Ryan is also a promising talent, and showcased his skills not only on the tennis court, but through his art and culture. Zane was involved in painting Tennis Vic’s racquet that was gifted to Tennis Tasmania as part of the closing ceremony.

Lewis and Zane are at the Australian Open for First Nations Day, representing Evonne Goolagong’s National Development Camp.

“It was a really good opportunity. I’ve never really done that kind of stuff before. Going for a week away from my family and being with people just like me, I felt like I could really connect and grow as a person and felt I really matured a lot. When I went, I was nervous and shy but on the way back I didn’t want to leave and I felt I grew a lot as a person and it was a great experience”, Zane Ryan stated.

“It’s an amazing camp but not only the tennis but all of the cultural activities we get to do. It’s amazing on how its just an Indigenous camp and it doesn’t matter what level you are, you just try your best”, Lewis Murray stated.

From competing at the NITC camp, Lewis and Zane have been chosen to represent Evonne Goolagong’s National Development Camp.

“It’s amazing to be here and be apart of Evonne Goolagong’s foundation, it’s crazy to think that I am part of it”, Zane Ryan stated.

“It’s such an amazing opportunity on the camp. We’re like one big family, we all get along really well. There’s a lot of training and activities and it’s a privilege to be part of it”, Lewis Murray added.

The camp is a great opportunity for young tennis players to develop as people and players, on and off the court.

Zane Ryan stated “I just want to be the best I can be. I’ve always had the dream of making it professional but what I’ve realised is that I just want to be the best I can be and train and see where my life and tennis takes me.”

Lewis Murray also has his goals set on being the best he can be.

“I want to see where tennis takes me. My goal is to be professional and one day maybe play here.”

#VicsAtTheAO

#FirstNationsDay