It’s been called the summer of tennis – and Tasmania had its fair share of the action.
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All three regions have hosted a significant event either side of the Australian Open. Hobart and Burnie both host an international event and the North is currently in the midst of the Launceston International.
There are solid arguments that the best week to attend a grand slam is the first week.
It’s when the upsets happen. When new talent hits the world stage. The five-set thrillers entertain the crowds for hours. One service game you are rooting for the unseeded player and the next you want the top 20 player to get through so you get see his or her’s talents again in two days.
The Launceston International has a similar tone. This is not a junior tennis tournament.
These are the players who want to be the next Federer or Williams. Or they are the players looking to break back into the top 100 after an injury or hiatus from the sport. We are lucky enough to get to watch this amazing talent for a gold coin donation. One star on Launceston’s centre court is Switzerland’s Patty Schnyder. The former world No.7 burnt out in 2011. The years passed, she welcomed a daughter and then rediscovered her passion for tennis.
Now she plays for the love, not the money and fame like many of her counterparts.
This attitude is what puts a smile on the many volunteers who help the Launceston International to be a success.
It’s the stories of the players showing kindness and a true passion for the sport that have locals volunteering their time. The ball kids often rave about their interactions with the players – but the stars in their eyes are not always the players with the most talent. The youths, whether they be aspiring athletes or not, would walk away with some great life lessons regarding resilience and good sportsmanship.
For those not volunteering the benefits trickle into our community. About 110 players and their entourages will spend about three nights in Launceston. Many of them venture out and about with Festivale, vineyards, the Gorge and other tourist attractions a highlight. They also promote these on their many and various social media accounts. To support this event is simple. Take the family down to the Launceston Regional Tennis Centre and enjoy some first-class tennis action and get a look at who will be gracing Rod Laver Arena in years to come.
