Geraldton set to be tennis central as Easter tournament returns for historic 99th edition

One of the longest-running tennis tournaments in the State is fast approaching again as the Geraldton Tennis Club prepares to host its Easter tournament. The annual event, which has been running since 1920, will start this year on Friday, March 29, with mixed doubles. Only six years have been missed: four years because of WWII and two years due to COVID-19. Ladies’ and men’s doubles and singles will be played on Saturday and Sunday, with finals completed by Sunday evening. The tournament caters for players of all abilities and all ages from 10 and under up to seniors, some of whom are in their 80s. Competitors will be graded into round robin events. Past local players to have won the men’s singles event include Ken Harris, Kingsley Varney, Bruce Thompson, Darren and Brett Patten and Josh Bowen. Locals who have won the ladies’ singles event include Marg Benzie, Kerry Sewell and Nat Lama, who is current resident coach at the Geraldton Tennis Club. The event is one of the premier competitions in the State and has attracted major winners, with 2023 Australian Open doubles champion Jason Kubler lifting the Easter Open trophy back in 2018. Anyone interested in playing is encouraged to contact club secretary Ruth Vorster on 0448 644 014 or club captain Danny Bowen on 0428 927 402. For more information and tournament details, visit the club website or go to play.tennis.com.au/Geraldtontennisclub/Easter2024.