Vijay comes up aces in 1 Point Pop Slam

BENDIGO’S Sid Vijay counts his team’s section eight win at last year’s Tennis Victoria Country Week as one of his biggest wins on the court.

At this year’s event at Shepparton and Mooroopna, the 20-year-old came away with a trophy of a different sort.

Vijay claimed a year’s supply of beer, courtesy of Thirsty Camel, as the winner of the 1 Point Pop Slam tournament.

The one point, one chance, winner-take-all showcase drew massive player interest and an even bigger crowd.

Conquering the high-pressure knockout format, Vijay emerged as the last player standing to claim the ultimate prize.

It could be suggested the 20-year-old, who plays with South Bendigo in the Bendigo Tennis Association’s A-grade pennant competition, seemed destined to clinch the title and quirky first prize.

After all, beer provided the inspiration for Vijay and his four partners’ Country Week team name – Beer Builds Better Bodies.

 

The team competed in section seven this year, and although unsuccessful, were still counting their blessings following Vijay’s big win.

“My mate Ben Greenall entered me in the competition, so the biggest thanks go to him,” he said.

“We played a one-point tournament before in Bendigo, but that was actual tennis; this was pop tennis … more paddles and an orange ball on a mini-court.

“It was quite different, but I’ve played paddle and pickleball before, so I was kind of used to it.

“But I was pretty nervous doing it in front of a lot of people.

“But having all the people watching was incredible. It was really good fun.

“I wouldn’t have done it without my team behind me the whole way.”

Vijay, a second year physiotherapy student at La Trobe University, likened the 1 Point Pop Slam to Country Week itself.

“The atmosphere is great and it’s fantastic to get a week away for a week with our mates,” he said.

 

“Everyone gets around you. I met a lot of people.

“And playing on grass is amazing … I love playing on grass.

“We don’t have any grass courts down here in Bendigo anymore, which is a shame.”

Vijay is hoping another big prize is on the way, with his South Bendigo team sitting atop the BTA A-grade pennant ladder a few games out from finals.

“That would really top things off for us,” he said.

“I’m sure that would be my second biggest ever win … behind the beers.”

Tennis Victoria CEO Kim Kachel said the event added a new layer of excitement to Country Week.

“The 1 Point POP Slam captured exactly what Country Week is about – competitive spirit, great atmosphere and bringing people together,” Kachel said.

“Registrations filled on day one, and even with some challenging weather, the crowd turned out in force.

“There was incredible energy courtside, plenty of laughs and ultimately one deserving champion.”

Beyond next month’s BTA finals, Vijay is already plotting his 1 Point Pop Slam title defence.

“I’d love to defend the title … especially if there’s beer up for grabs again,” he said.