By Luke Voogt
More than 200 veteran tennis players from across Australia arrived in Geelong this week for the Oceania Regional Seniors Tennis Championships.
The tournament began at Geelong Lawn Tennis Club yesterday afternoon with players serving up some of the highest quality senior tennis on offer in the country.
“I think it’s huge,” Geelong Lawn Tennis Club director John McConachy said.
“The more of these events you can have, the better. In the current climate so many similar events have been postponed – if not cancelled altogether.”
While the number of participants was down on council estimates of 300 from earlier this year, the event would still provide a boost to the local economy, Mr McConachy said.
“There’s certainly a flow-on effect for local hotels and motels.”
The tournament is part of the International Tennis Federation Seniors Tour and rates behind only the World Seniors Championships in terms of status and rankings points on offer.
Retired Australian tennis legend Paul McNamee had been scheduled to play in the event but was late withdrawal, McConachy said.
Luke Voogt
