Tennis Geelong Pennants are scheduled to start back this Saturday, coinciding with the Finals of the Australian Open, so there will be plenty of action over the weekend.
The AO itself has provided a number of opportunities for local players, with many working at the event in event services, as ball kids, match assistants and statisticians, but there have also been a series of activities for players and volunteers.
Tennis Victoria uses the AO as an opportunity to recognise many volunteers around the state, and provide them with an opportunity to network with other volunteers, to exchange ideas and hear testimonials of what other clubs are doing related to particular topics.
This year club presidents were invited to attend a session that included a presentation on participation and the importance of coaches, with Luke Saville as a guest speaker talking about his regional tennis roots, growing up in Berri SA, and the pending birth of his and Dasha’s baby.
The session was then followed up by watching the charity match between Jannick Sinner and Felix Auger-Alliseme on Rod Laver Arena.
As part of the Tennis Australia Women and Girls Strategy (WGS), a Women Leaders in Tennis program has been in place for 5 years. Graduates of this program were invited to attend a networking session, including a presentation of how the WGS is tracking and a Q&A with Casey Dellacqua.
Casey discussed mentors for girls, including her own mentors growing up, the adjustment to life post tour and her current life schedule as Women and Girls Coordinator Tennis NSW, commentator and mother. This session was followed up with most heading over to check out the day’s tennis action.
Club coaches are also able to get some of their players involved at the AO, particularly with Kids on Court. Coaches can apply to have a group of 10 Hot Shots players to have a coaching session on one of the main play courts.
This year several clubs were provided this opportunity, including some up and comers from Barwon Heads who were on Court 6 on opening Sunday. The session was held before the start of play and Daisy Lord was chosen to toss the coin at the start of the match between Yulia Putintseva and Beatriz Haddid Maia.
Coaches are also able to apply to host a cardio tennis session on one of the main play courts. These sessions allow coaches to hold a cardio tennis session as they would at their club, with music and a focus on fitness and fun, rather than technique or where the ball goes.
Cardio tennis is aimed at young to older adults, and provides a soft introduction to tennis, a way to improve your skills in a group environment and build a social network at the same time.
