Wheelchair Tennis Summer Series
The first two events of the Australian Wheelchair Tennis Summer Series will once again be held at Highlands in January.
The Victorian Wheelchair Tennis Open, will run from 8 to 12 January 2024 and the Stockland Melbourne Wheelchair Open from 14 to 19 January 2024, at the Hume Tennis & Community Centre. These tournaments are qualifying events for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and is expected to have full draws in all divisions – men’s, women’s quad, and junior – making it one of the largest and strongest wheelchair tournament fields seen across the world.
Four-time Australian Open doubles champion and Paralympic doubles gold medallist, Heath Davidson will be competing in both the Victorian Wheelchair Open and Melbourne Wheelchair Open as well as local Hume resident and 14-year-old wildcard holder, Jin Woodmen.
Stockland Development Director, James Hawker said as a sponsor since 2018, Stockland is honoured to be supporting the series again.
“This tournament is a celebration of some of the best athletes across the world and we’re looking forward to welcoming fans as they enjoy some great tennis here at Highlands,” Mr Hawker said.
“Our partnership with Tennis Australia has enabled us to continue to provide the community with access to exceptional sporting events that will hopefully inspire the next generation of sport stars.”
Paralympian Heath Davidson reflected on the tournament’s growth and said he was here at the first event which had around 50 players.
“Fast forward nine years and we’ve got one of the world’s biggest tournaments. It’s a huge thank you to the team at Tennis Australia. I can’t wait to get the summer started – bring on Hume and then bring on the AO,” Mr Davidson said.
The Hume Tennis and Community Centre opened in 2017. Stockland contributed $1 million to the development of the facility and partnered with Tennis Australia and Hume Council to deliver 16 accessible courts and a community centre.
The Hume Tennis and Community Centre is located at 225 Marathon Boulevard, Craigieburn. More information on the tournament schedules will be available on the Hume Tennis website soon.
