On 28–29 March, DFAT, the Diplomatic Corps, and local Canberrans came together for the 112th Diplomatic-Australian Tennis Tournament, hosted across Canberra’s embassies, private courts, as well as Forrest and Reid Tennis Clubs. More than 130 players competed in beginner, intermediate, and advanced categories during this bi-annual tradition, which has fostered friendship and engagement since November 1965.
People eligible to play in the Tournament include diplomatic officials and families, locally engaged staff, international representatives and invited members of the Canberra tennis community.
The Tournament is organised by a Committee of Australians and diplomats chaired by HE Mr Ufuk Gezer, Ambassador of Turkiye. For the 112th Tournament, diplomats and Canberra residents once again dusted off their racquets and dug out their active-wear for two days of friendly doubles competition. Embassies, High Commissions and residences, as well as private citizens and local tennis clubs, opened up their tennis courts to representatives from many different countries and Canberrans who fought fierce and friendly battles for the honour of taking out a title. The finals took place at the Swedish Embassy, hosted by HE Mr Klas Molin, Ambassador of Sweden. Lunch and drinks were served during the afternoon to players and guests, rounding up an eventful weekend of sport, connection, and shared experiences.
List of winners in all categories:
Natasha Banfield and Juan Vallejomunoz (mixed doubles advanced – Swedish cup)
Margaret Dunlop and Peter Jensen (mixed doubles intermediate – German cup)
Nancy Mahina and Fumiko Oi Lee (women’s doubles advanced – Indonesian cup)
Liberty Scott and Natasha Tucker (women’s doubles intermediate – Malaysian cup)
Kriti Jha and Tasha Pitigala (women’s doubles beginners – Belgian Cup)
Torin Allen and Liam Cash (men’s doubles advanced – American trophy)
Harri Brearly and Tony Fraser (men’s doubles intermediate – EU cup)
Mark Abela (men’s doubles beginners – Argentine Cup).
