THIS week Sunraysia Daily reported the Mildura Lawn Tennis Club (MLTC) had knocked back an offer to host a second Pro Tour.
What an opportunity missed.
Two international sporting events in as many weeks, what an amazing thing it would have been for local tennis and the broader community.
Often we are overlooked for these types of events because of our location, which is why we should never pass them up when they are put in front of us.
I know officials of the MLTC have put forward their reasons for declining the offer and they are legitimate.
But I can’t help think they could have found a way to make this happen.
It was just too good of an opportunity to let slip and the benefits, to me, far outweighed the negatives.
We all know nothing in rural communities happens without the support of volunteers.
The Mildura Grand Tennis International is no exception and a second event would certainly have tested the resources of the club’s volunteers, but I’m sure there would have been people willing to assist if they were asked.
Consideration of whether the courts could handle a second event was also an issue and the effect extra play could have had on the club’s annual Easter tournament in early April.
All fair enough reasons, but I still wonder if they were a little bit quick to say ‘no’.
The Mildura Grand Tennis International has a men’s and women’s main draw of 64, Wimbledon’s main draw is 128 for both events and their courts are able to stand up to two weeks of tennis, so why couldn’t the MLTC?
Ask anyone who has played on or seen the MLTC grass courts and they will tell you they are the best in Australia and probably only second to Wimbeldon.
It wasn’t long ago the MLTC hosted the Pro Tour and Tennis Australia’s Junior Nationals in quick succession, the courts seemed to be able handle that, so why wouldn’t they stand up to consecutive Pro Tours?
Sometimes you need to step outside your comfort zone and push the boundaries.
Tennis in the region is on the decline and kids need inspiration to play.
What better motivation to pick up a racquet than getting the opportunity to watch professional players in your own backyard.
You only have to look at some of the players who have played in the Mildura Grand Tennis International to realise the talent this event attracts.
And what about the financial and economic benefits a second Pro Tour would have provided to the region?
Mildura Sport and Recreation Councillor Glenn Milne had no hesitation in saying they would have supported a second event had they been approached for additional funding.
It seems – on this occasion – there needed to be a bit more consultation.
