Hume secures international tennis opens until 2026
Published on 02 June 2023
Hume City’s position as a leader in all abilities tennis has been reaffirmed with the announcement that the Melbourne and Victorian Wheelchair Tennis Opens will remain here for the next three years.
Tennis Australia and the International Tennis Federation have chosen the Hume Tennis and Community Centre to continue in its successful role as host of the international events in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
It comes after the centre hosted the 2023 tournaments in January, which was the eighth time the Melbourne event was held and the third time for the state competition.
While the Hume Tennis and Community Centre is receiving the recognition it deserves as a premier sporting facility, a number of locals emerging from its training programs are gaining international recognition in the wheelchair tennis field - including 14-year-old Jin Woodman, who’s just returned from the World Team Cup in Portugal with the national team where he made the semi-finals.
Hume City Council has been committed to supporting the Hume Tennis and Community Centre in being considered by the sport’s peak bodies as the ideal location for two of the most prestigious tournaments on the wheelchair tennis calendar.
In recognising the significance of these events, Council has provided a number of resources including a supply of buses offering reliable and accessible transport to athletes, and staff that contribute significantly to the smooth execution of these events, handling everything from logistics to participant support.
Council is also proud of the erection of grandstands that provide ample seating and an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can partake in the excitement and camaraderie of wheelchair sports.
This agreement, made possible through collaboration between Council and local and industry stakeholders, will help ensure planning for future events is at the best possible standard to showcase these premier wheelchair tennis competitions and the City of Hume.
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Hume City, Councillor Joseph Haweil
“Having our national and international tennis federations trust Hume Tennis and Community Centre to host two of its major annual events tennis events is a big honour for Hume City.”
“Not only is the facility in Craigieburn deserving of being amongst the venues included in our international competitions, the Hume Tennis and Community Centre should also be commended on the talent it’s currently producing for our Australian teams.”
Quote attributable to Hume Tennis Director Tim Connelly
"We are incredibly proud to be entrusted by Tennis Australia with the hosting of the Wheelchair Tennis Opens for the next three years."
"This prestigious assignment is a testament to our team's unwavering dedication and passion towards promoting inclusivity and accessibility in the sport. We are committed to upholding and exceeding the high standards of these esteemed tournaments. We look forward to being part of the journey of the athletes as they head towards the 2024 Paris Paralympics, and to showcasing the spirit of international wheelchair tennis.”