Aus Open silverware makes Surf Coast appearance

THE Surfcoast Tennis Club was in esteemed company Friday afternoon as the Australian Open men’s and women’s trophies made their way to Spring Creek Reserve.

The trophies visit was accompanied by entertainment for the kids, food and drinks, and live music from local musician Tom Meadows.

Friday was also an emotional day for the club, as they farewelled long-standing coach Peter Hubacek after 32 years amid his impending retirement, with his coaching duties to conclude at the end of Term 1 next year.

Administrator for the club and the event’s organiser Kristie Walters said more than 200 people attended the event, an occasion that many kids will remember for a lifetime.

“Luckily enough, we were one of only four tennis clubs across the state that got the chance to see the trophies,” Ms Walters said.

“Of course, our head coach, Peter Hubacek, who’s been our head coach for more than three decades has announced his retirement from coaching, so this was the start of what I call his ‘retirement tour’.

“It was a great opportunity to see young tennis players getting inspired by seeing these trophies and it’s great to see that Tennis Australia really cares about its regional clubs and doing these things for us.”

The event was pulled together in just a couple of weeks when Tennis Australia notified the club that they would host the trophies, but Ms Walters’ advertising got several local tennis clubs to attend such as Grovedale, Moriac, Aireys Inlet and Anglesea for the chance to see the silverware.

“People were just so happy to be out and at a community event,” Ms Walters said.

“It was a really lovely family environment, and a lot of kids, parents and grandparents were eager to take pictures with the cups and talk with the representatives about the trophies.”

The Australian Open kicks off in just over a month on January 17, 2022.