Roger Federer’s win at the Australian Open 2017 was one of the best comeback stories in recent tennis history, and for Australind Tennis Club, his win was all the more significant, with the club set to take home a cheque for $5,000 after securing the number 17 seed to represent them in the Free Tennis Day competition that ran in conjunction with the Australian Open.
Australind TC received eligibility to enter this competition by hosting a Free Tennis Day in 2016. All eligible clubs were then entered into a ballot to secure a main draw player and become the official ‘cheer squad’ for that player throughout the Australian Open.
President of the Australind Tennis Club, Lyn Richards, is thrilled with the club’s win, and said the prizemoney will go towards rebuilding the junior club, as well as the club’s Grand Opening of their 8 newly resurfaced tennis courts.
“We were delighted to hear that we had drawn Roger Federer in the ballot. We followed his journey from the Hopman Cup here in Perth all the way through to the Final of the AO, which made his win extra special for the club and all of our members” Ms Richards said.
“This is an exciting time for the club, as we are currently replacing our existing synthetic grass courts with 8 brand new Laykold hardcourts, and this prizemoney will enable the club to hold a Grand Opening event at the beginning of next season“.
“We recognise that juniors are the future of our club and our sport, so our aim is to rebuild the junior club and attract new members to our club. We have an ‘open house’ policy which encourages visitors and community members to come down, enjoy a warm welcome and play some tennis before making any commitment to join. Our goal is to bring the community together and offer a fun, healthy sport and a social experience for the family”.
Tennis West CEO, Michael Roberts believes this campaign is a great way to engage the clubs with the Australian Open and increase tennis participation throughout Australia.
“Rewarding tennis clubs who host Free Tennis Days and open their doors to the local community is a great initiative. It not only engages the clubs with the Australian Open, but it also plays a major role in driving participation in tennis throughout Australia” Mr Roberts said.
“Our vision is for all clubs to create a welcoming and accessible environment for the local community. Australind Tennis Club is a fine example of this vision, so I am thrilled that their efforts have been rewarded with this win”. Mr Roberts said.
The Free Tennis Day competition is also highly regarded amongst the Australian Open playing group, with many of the main draw players actively engaging with their supporting towns via social media.
For more information about the Free Tennis Day Competition, visit www.tennis.com.au
The Australind Tennis Club hosts Social Days on Tuesday morning and Saturday Afternoon, and Junior club on Thursday afternoon.
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