31 July 2024 | Tennis Victoria

Congratulations to the August Affiliate of the Month – Maccabi Tennis Club.

The club has recently celebrated 100 years of community tennis, attended by a bumper crowd of almost 300 people at the Leon Haskin Tennis Centre in Bentleigh East.

A warm and sunny day greeted all attendees, befitting for the occasion. An exhibition match was played between six-time Club Champion and former Federal Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, and 2023 Club Champion, James Oklander. The tennis courts were a hive of activity and pop-up pickleball courts also created a buzz. There was a carnival atmosphere as past players reconnected and reminisced, while families revelled in the festivities.

A centenary plaque was presented by Tennis Victoria in honour of the milestone. There was also a serve radar, coaching activities run by Trademark Tennis and Asaf Nagar (Maccabi Tennis Club Head Coach), and food and drinks. Speeches were given by Nick Staikos MP (the local Member for Bentleigh), David Southwick MP (the Member for Caulfield), Dean Mohr (Co-President of Maccabi Victoria), Ryan Behr (Maccabi Tennis Club President), Eva de Jong-Duldig (Life Member and former tennis professional) and Clive Fredman (Life Member). Glen Eira Councillors Sam Parasol and Anne-Marie Cade (Mayor) were also present.

In the past 18 months, Maccabi Tennis Club has upgraded to LED lights and installed the Tennis Australia Book A Court system, enabling casual court hire at the click of a button and improving the playing experience with brighter lights for night-time play. The Maccabi Tennis Club Committee plan to invest in court resurfacing and additional lighting in the coming years.

Maccabi Tennis Club President Behr expressed hope that this milestone would “inspire the next generation of players to join and contribute their unique talents to the rich tapestry of our club’s history”.

Congratulations Maccabi Tennis Club, thank you for all you contribute, and we look forward to the next 100 years of tennis!