SWAN Hill’s tennis fraternity was visited by doubles legend Todd Woodbridge and the Australian Open trophies on Saturday, the spoils of Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open win.
A large crowd of young and old attended the event as four new hardcourts were also officially opened on the day, allowing tennis action year round.
The children on the day were given the chance to ask Woodbridge about his decorated career, which included 22 career Grand Slam doubles titles, with the 45-year-old inspiring some of the Mallee’s up-and-coming talent.
After Swan Hill won a national competition to choose their champion for the 2016 Australian Open, they picked the ‘Mallee Djoker’ and made him mayor during the two-week event.
Speaking to The Guardian, Woodbridge said it was great to come to rural regions, with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial and Norman Brookes Challenge cups, and to witness the passion for tennis firsthand.
“It is always great to be able to come to these areas and just see how strong tennis is, and the passion they have for the game,” he said.
“It brings a great vibe. I love that kids get in and around it, and the trophies are special and when they can see it, it helps the game of tennis as well.
“It is incredibly impressive to see. It was great PR for the town and it was showcased well, and so many of the players during the Australian Open will learn about the country and the town.”
With guests such as Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh on hand to open the courts, it was a special day for the Swan Hill tennis community.
