Tennis Cup goes Nordic

THE WARBURTON Tennis Club (WTC) held it’s cup tournament over the Warburton Nordic Festival weekend attracting enthusiastic competitors and fans alike.
While players and supporters wore their best Nordic attire, matters quickly got down to business with spectators enjoying plenty of on-court action.
The men’s singles competition was off and running culminating in a keenly contested final between David Bullock of Kinglake (former WTC coach) who defeated Joseph Habenschauss from Healesville Tennis Club.
With brilliant weather throughout the day, the men’s and women’s doubles provided much entertainment and competitive tennis for spectators. The men’s B Grade doubles was an exciting competition ultimately won by Richard Joseph and Ben Robinson. The men’s A Grade doubles was hotly contested throughout the day. Geoff Summers and Phil Lemon went through to claim the title in what tournament organiser Christian Neilson described as “a clash of tennis Vikings”.
Women’s doubles winners Julie Szabo and Doris Wiltshire played consistently good tennis defeating Tiahn Summers and Kate Wilson. An honourable mention went to junior players Tiahn and Kate who displayed great skill and teamwork.
“It’s fantastic to see young people playing tennis. Tennis provides a means for young people, their parents and friends, to keep fit, make new friends, and build on existing relationships, but mostly just to have fun,” WTC committee member Judd Zekas said.
Finally, the mixed doubles competition saw senior player Paul Szabo and daughter Julie Szabo challenge WTC coach Geoff Summers and his daughter Tiahn Summers. Age was no barrier in a game that showed the strength of family bonds. Geoff and Tiahn won the spirited battle.
Neilson said the cup raised a lot of interest in what was an extremely busy weekend in Warburton. While the tournament was a competitive event, with trophies and glory bestowed upon this year’s champions, it’s more about getting people on the courts playing tennis and showing what great fun being a member of the local tennis community can be.
“As all games were held at the club’s courts in the centre of township, the tournament was very visible, which definitely helped raise the profile of the club, and added to the festival atmosphere in the town,” he said.
“It’s clear that everybody is ready for an even bigger and better tournament next year.”
Those interested in playing tennis should contact Judd Zekas on 0430 044 977.