WA superstar and legend of the game Casey Dellacqua, was this year’s guest of honor at the 2019 Women in Tennis Breakfast, co-hosted by Women in Tennis and Tennis West.
The breakfast was held in the Reverley Room at RAC Arena with a well-supported attendance of 155 guests. The long-running annual event raises funds in support of West Australian female tennis players.
A legend more germane than the recently retired Dellacqua, would certainly be hard to find. A pocket rocket from the West, Casey Dellacqua stands tall in her own right. Fun loving and down to earth, the recently retired Tennis star has loved every minute of her career which began when she was enrolled in group tennis lessons at the Kingsley Tennis Club at the age of seven.
Dellacqua said she holds very strong ties to her West Australian heritage.
“I’ll always be a West Australian. I have so many great memories of growing up playing Tennis on Perth’s grass courts. I think that’s why I’ve always loved playing Wimbledon, it reminds me of home,” said Dellacqua.
It was in 2003 that the Australian public were first introduced to Casey as she stepped on court in her debut Grand Slam appearance as an 18 year old at the Australian Open. Paving the way for female tennis players, Casey’s inspirational career showcases a rich record of tournaments, Grand Slams and silverware.
With an all-time high singles ranking of 26, an impressive doubles ranking of World No. 3, mother of two and soon to be mother of three, Casey was the perfect guest speaker at the iconic breakfast event.
Joining special guest Casey Dellacqua was Tennis West CEO and Hopman Cup General Manager, Michael Roberts, Tennis West President, Wayne Firns and Women in Tennis President, Trish Ross and the Women in Tennis Committee members.
Michael Roberts, acknowledged the challenges faced by West Australian athletes, but also the impact that the Women in Tennis fundraising efforts have on their development.
“We live in such a large state and we’re a long way from anywhere. Women in Tennis provides significant support to our rising stars who might otherwise be disadvantaged,” said Mr. Roberts.
President of Women in Tennis, Trish Ross, said that funds raised from the annual breakfast, alongside funds raised throughout the year, impacted directly on developing West Australian female Tennis players.
“This year alone we’ve contributed upwards of $13,000 to our up and coming female players, and our efforts are seeing some great rewards,’ said Mrs. Ross.
Australian Open Wildcard Playoff Finalist Astra Sharma, 14/U National Champion Talia Gibson, and former Hopman Cup Reserve Player Maddison Inglis, are all recipients of financial grants awarded by Women in Tennis in 2018.
Major sponsor, Doris Brinkhaus, of Brinkhaus Jewellers in Claremont, donated generously to both the raffle and silent auction prizes. Tennis West and Sienna’s Restaurant in Leederville also donated prizes, resulting in welcomed fundraising efforts in excess of $3,200.
Tennis West wishes to thank Women in Tennis for their tireless and continued commitment in support of West Australian female athletes, and Casey Dellacqua for giving up her time to support this event. Tennis West also wishes to acknowledge the ongoing and generous support of Doris Brinkhaus, of Brinkhaus Jewelers.
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