WHETHER Novak Djokovic wins the Australian Open tennis title or not, a tiny township with a massive spirit will leave him and his family with much more than expected.
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Kendall’s tennis club ended 2014 as Australia’s most enthusiastic tennis town for the second year in a row to top the AO Tennis Blitz town leaderboard.
Kendall won the choice of which world number one player to throw their support behind, selecting Djokovic over Serena Williams. Last year Kendall also finished in top spot and supported Rafael Nadal as he made his run to the final.
This year, however, the club’s members decided that not only support would be thrown behind Novak.
They decided his three-month-old son Stefan should also know that his dad has massive supporters Down Under.
“We tried to think of something to give Novak that was out of the box that might grab attention,” club president Wendy Hudson said.
“So, Meredith Bauer (Simply Splendid Photography and printing), who is the club’s pro bono photographer came up with a jumpsuit for Stefan. She incorporated the logos for Australian Open promotions and it was also emblazoned with a slogan Get Court Up.”
Wendy said they used twitter to let people know they were bringing it to Melbourne Park and they were thrilled when Novak’s wife Jelena responded: “@Kendall_Tennis @Tennis Australia @DjokerNole @Australian Open that’s too cute! Thanks.”
Tennis Australia was also impressed.
As well as the jumpsuit, the club had a package of information about Kendall and the tennis club.
Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams and husband Don Williams were at the Australian Open and got to hand-deliver the special gift to Novak.
“It is fantastic to win the AO Tennis Blitz for the second time running and the whole town is thrilled,” Wendy said.
“Due to our involvement in the competition last year we are in the process of building new courts so to win again can only help with the club’s profile and future development.
“Novak is renowned for being a fun guy and embracing his town last year so we are all looking forward to cheering him on throughout the tournament.
If Novak makes the final Kendall tennis courts will be a hive of activity as a big screen will be set up for the community to watch and cheer. All you need to do is bring your own chairs, food and refreshments etc. Set the date of February 1 aside, in the hope he does make it.
Individuals were also given the chance to win. By taking part in the online game Hit the Target, Jim Rutherford from Kendall won a once in a lifetime opportunity to hit on centre court on Saturday, January 17.
Camden Haven High School won the Ultimate School Challenge for NSW and have been awarded with a $5000 tennis grant.
THE FINAL PRIZE
The town representing the men’s Australian Open Champion will receive the following:
- a permanent AO Tennis Blitz sign for their town
- personalised message from the champion
- signed memorabilia**
- AO trophy tour weekend visit and the
- Media/PR opportunity surrounding the fact that the Australian Open Champion was playing for your town.
