As part of the ITF World Tennis Masters Tour (“WTMT”), the Yarrawonga November 25 to 28 tournament received the 2022 Tournament Recognition Award.
The number one player in the world for each of the 50+, 60+ and 70+ men’s divisions competed on Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club’s beautifully maintained courts. There were 15 overseas players and other players who travelled from throughout Australia. Spectators were truly treated to some elite tennis.
This WMTT award recognises tournaments in 2022 that deliver fantastic events and receive high player satisfaction rates.
All tournaments that took place between June-December 2022 were considered for the award, provided they met the necessary criteria outlined.
This included feedback responses from a minimum of 10% of entered players in the post-event player satisfaction survey, the satisfactory completion of the referee’s report, and timely and accurate submissions to the ITF.
Just ten tournaments globally in 2022 have been awarded in February 2023.
The standard of tournament delivery, communication and overall experience are important factors for the players attending each tournament. The overall standard of delivery and player satisfaction is consistently good across all 505 ITF Masters tournaments.
“However, your tournament has been recognised by the players as providing among the very best player experience within your grade,” a letter in respect of the tournament at Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club, signed by Matt Byford Head, ITF World Tennis Masters Tour and Manager, Hayley Iveson ITF World Tennis Masters Tour, stated.
Tennis Seniors Victoria President Bert Faux emphasised the significance of the award and of the outstanding result in Yarrawonga.
“There are five different levels of tournament throughout the world. In Yarrawonga it was the MT-700, the second highest tournament in the world,” Mr Faux told the Yarrawonga Chronicle.
“Last year there were 1,000 roughly for the MT-700 level and Yarrawonga was part of the tour to finish in the top 10 tours. Yarrawonga deservedly was one of the top ten.”
Mr Faux praised the combined effort of Tennis Seniors Victoria, Tennis Victoria, Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club and Yarrawonga Mulwala Visitor Information Centre which resulted in the prestigious award.
“It was a real team effort,” he said. “We were very fortunate to have the event in Yarrawonga considering the devastating floods in the region. To get the courts in the excellent condition was a wonderful result.
“It’s the second time in three years Yarrawonga has featured strongly.”
Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club President Daryl Bennett said the club was very happy to work with Tennis Seniors Victoria, Tennis Victoria and the Yarrawonga Mulwala Visitor Information Centre to bring the event to Yarrawonga. “It’s nice that we get this recognition,” Mr Bennett said.
This international award also reflects favourably on Yarrawonga Mulwala Visitor Information Centre. Yarrawonga Mulwala Tourism’s Executive Officer Noel Wright said it was wonderful Yarrawonga is formally recognised.
“It’s a tournament that just seems to grow, roughly from 120 to 220 over three to four years,” Mr Wright said.
“Certainly, our staff at the counter were heavily involved. It was great, as always working in with the Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club and having this special event here which included players from many countries in the world.”
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