This year at the 2013 Australian Open myself and Brad Koenig were lucky enough to be selected to umpire the Men’s Finals at the Australian Open between Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
We found out the day before when we made the cut saying we would be required to umpire on the Sunday night. I was extremely excited and thrilled that both Brad and I, both from WA and both from the same tennis club, UWA Tennis Club made the cut from 350 to 20 umpires. As this was only my third Australian Open, it came as a great surprise and a real honour.
I was so nervous before we stepped onto the court, I think I went to the bathroom at least 10 times purely due to the nerves and the whole occasion. We had our squad meetings as usual and had a talking to from the Chief of Officials, Wayne Spence and then the Chair Umpire John Blom.
We got onto the court for the first time and the atmosphere was electric and amazing. It was deathly silent when play was in progress but then the roof was raised when either player won a point. It was incredible
It was definitely the biggest highlight of my officiating career and hopefully there will be more finals to come.
By Chris Crosby
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IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE IN THEIR SHOES AND BECOME AN OFFICIAL
Please contact Jill Sheridan (Officials Development Co-ordinator) ODC
EMAIL: [email protected] or phone: 6462 8332 (Tues & Thurs)
We will be running courses in June/July for Court Supervising and Lines people.
CONTACT ME NOW AND FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN GET TO THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN.
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