Up close and personal: Rochester Lawn Tennis Club members welcomed the Daphne Akhurst and Norman Brookes cups as part of the Australian Open Trophy Tour on Saturday.
Photo by
Michael Lloyd
The Australian Open Trophy Tour visited Rochester on Saturday.
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The Daphne Akhurst and Norman Brookes cups were the special guests at the Rochester Lawn Tennis Club.
Tennis lovers of all ages enjoyed the chance to hold the iconic trophies, presented to the women’s and men’s winners of the grand slam event.
Rochester Lawn Tennis Club president Karen Taylor said it was a significant day for the sport in town.
Iconic: The Daphne Akhurst and Norman Brookes Cups in Rochester.
Photo by
Michael Lloyd
“I would like to thank Tennis Australia and Tennis Victoria for coming to Rochester and highlighting what we do here in Rochester,” Mrs Taylor said.
The visit by Tennis Australia and Tennis Victoria also included a generous donation to the club aimed at supporting junior players.
“The $5000 donation from Tennis Australia will help with junior participation as well with the ongoing purchase of tennis balls and junior registration,” Mrs Taylor said.
“The money will also allow us to offer the junior Hot Shots program for the kids for free along with tennis club T-shirts, which will be subsidised, which is amazing.”
Accompanying the trophies in Rochy was Australian professional player Seone Mendez, who shared her insights with local juniors.
“So far, it’s been lovely in Rochester. The weather is great. The kids love being out here today. And I’m having a great time,” Mendez said.
Fun: Seone Mendez played games with Rochester juniors.
Photo by
Michael Lloyd
“I’ve enjoyed being out on the tennis court with the kids. I hope they enjoyed themselves. Hopefully, one day, I will see them compete professionally.”
“I think the visit from Tennis Australia to Rochester and the funding of $5000 will be a welcomed addition. I understand that Rochester has been struggling over the past few years, but I think visits like this from Tennis Australia and Tennis Victoria will aid the recovery.”
Mendez is also looking forward to upcoming tournaments in Queensland ahead of a busy summer schedule.
Memorable visit: Rochester Lawn Tennis Club president Karen Taylor, Tennis Victoria’s Sam Condon and tennis ace Seone Mendez on Saturday.
Photo by
Michael Lloyd
“In a few weeks, I’ll be competing in the $60,000 ITF in Brisbane and then the $60,000 ITF on the Gold Coast and then, if all goes well, I’ll be playing at the Australian Open in Melbourne in January,” Mendez said.
“I’ve been having a great year so far. I’m pretty confident going into these events despite my injury. I’m recovering right now, but in a couple of days, I’ll be ready to compete in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast.”
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