Top Tennis Topic: Tour Travel to Tasmania

Our experience of the tennis community in Tasmania
has been nothing short of fabulous so far.

To welcome "mainlanders" into the fold with open arms
and accept them as part of the team is very generous.

Domain Tennis Club Tasmania

Tennis facilities throughout the state seem in very good condition; we've been visitors at several venues. Tasmania cannot boast perfect, year-round climate for outdoor training - but players do avoid the scorching summer temperature levels endured by other Australians grinding away elsewhere. Therefore when you do get to play, you know the experience will not be marred by a melt-down.

This might be why some of the top international women players travel to Tasmania for the Moorilla Hobart International as their lead in to the Australian Open in January - they get to play an hour's flight away from Melbourne Park without the associated heat exhaustion. In fact, in 2009 it was reported that the Hobart title was decided in “almost freezing temperatures” - although for the finalists fighting it out, the temperature was probably more akin to “pleasant” after arriving from the Czech Republic!!

Domain Centre Hobart Tasmania

The Domain Centre in Hobart has recently upgraded six courts to the new Australian Open preferred, blue Plexicushion hard-court surface. This club (Tasmania's headquarters for the sport), is located adjacent the Tasman Bridge in what's called Queens Domain - centre for major sporting venues, including swimming and athletics.

The area has the most magnificent views over the River Derwent and rests between the CBD and the botanical gardens in the shadows of the city's iconic Mount Wellington. On second thoughts - perhaps the weather is NOT the real reason that internationally ranked players travel to Tasmania for the start of the season!!

Outside of Australian Open Series events, Tasmania also plays host to the next biggest tournament in the country - the Burnie International, timed for February to enhance the schedule of players visiting the southern hemisphere.

Australian Open mascot

Part of the ATP Challenger Tour, the 2009 title was won by Brydan Klein, the 2007 Australian Junior Grand Slam winner. This was amidst the hype surrounding Bernard Tomic, buoyed by his celebrity status in Melbourne, arriving to contest the premier Tasmanian event. The access to top level competition in spectator terms is inspiring for juniors and even for worn out, retired, tennis tragics. Ok, like you know who...

After a sizzling experience at the Australian Open in Melbourne, working as volunteers through record-high temperatures, we might have to reconsider the implications of leaving our island paradise for the excitement of an international event.

Maybe we should start a Tasmanian tour for
those that want top quality courtside
viewing without the blistering heat.

Now there's an idea!