The 2020 staging of the Australian National Seniors Championship concluded on Friday with the Finals of the prestigious Grade-A ITF Tournament at the new Busselton Tennis Club. The Tournament offered singles, doubles and mixed doubles events in 5 year age brackets from the age of 35 years.
Whilst Australians were well represented across the draw, the field also boasted a strong international contingent field with players from 18 different countries, including Canada, USA, France, Switzerland, New Zealand, Germany, Algeria, Poland and Italy represented across the tournament.
The Final of the Individual Championship marked the end of the two week long Australian Tennis Seniors Championship, which was held from 5-17 January and featured over 1,000 competitors across the Team Carnival and Individual events.
WA Players had some notable wins at the event with brothers Brett Patten and Darren Patten taking out the Men’s Doubles O/45 event over top seeded German Henrik Mueller-Frerich and his partner Morgan Young (AUS) 6-1, 7-5.
Brett Patten was delighted with their win over a formidable pairing, and acknowledged the importance of WA playing host to events such as this.
“Having the opportunity to play, socialise and witness tennis from some of the best O/35+ players globally was a wonderful experience,”
“Personally, the chance to play with my brother Darren and capture the O/45 Australian Doubles title, defeating World Number 1, 45+ Doubles Player, Henrik Mueller-Frerich, enroute to the title was incredibly satisfying.”
“The chance for Tennis Seniors WA to host the Australian Championships in the picturesque South West region of WA was an opportunity to showcase the State’s incredible southern corridor, along with driving much needed revenue back into the WA economy.” Mr Patten said.
In continuing the success for WA competitors, Rhys McDougall also claimed the O/45 Men’s Singles event, whilst members of the winning WA O/80’s Team continued their fine form, with Captain Alan Morcombe teaming up with Ken Harris, to finish Runner-Up in the O/80 Doubles Event.
In the Women’s draw WA’s Belinda Collis enjoyed a successful tournament, claiming the O/35 Mixed Doubles Title with partner Paul Fry, before finishing as Runner Up in the Women’s O/40 Singles event.
True to form, WA ‘Super Senior’ and Inaugural Inductee into the Australian Tennis Seniors Hall of Fame, Margaret Robinson, continued her steadfast performances at these events, with the 87 year old finishing Runner-Up in both the Over 80 Mixed Doubles Event with partner Don Scott (WA), and the O/80 Women’s Doubles with partner Bobby Edwards (WA).
In proving that tennis truly is a sport for life, 81 year old NSW player Mary Gordon took out 3 Titles at the Championship, with the number 1 seed winning the O/80s Singles Event, before going to claim the O/75 Mixed Doubles Event with partner Don Biddle, and the O/80 Women’s Doubles Event with Jill Taylor.
President of Tennis Seniors WA, Paul Moss believes the 2020 event to have been an overwhelming success for everyone involved.
“The 2020 Australian Seniors Tennis Championships was a huge success and, judging by the feedback we have received from many participants so far, this has arguably been the best in the 25 year history of this annual event”
“This result is a tribute to the hard work of many people, including the amazing staff and volunteers at Tennis West and Tennis Seniors WA. The Busselton and Bunbury Tennis Clubs showcased their courts and clubhouses during the two weeks of the tournament, with many players from over East and overseas being amazed by how good the tennis facilities and club culture is in WA.”
I would like to acknowledge everyone who contributed to making this event happen and to the 1000+ players who took part”. Mr Moss said.
The 2021 Tennis Seniors Australian Championships will be held in Canberra from 17-29 January.
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