AARON GOODWIN
After a fortnight of high-octane tennis from more than 200 players, the winners have been decided at the 2018 Redcliffe Open.
Mitchell Robins pulled off a surprising win over number one seeded Jayden Court in the Men’s final, winning in straight sets 7-6, 7-5.
Robins, who was the 12th seed in the tournament, which is a Bronze Level Australian Money Tournament registered with Tennis Australia, said he was pleased with the victory.
“Yeah, [it’s] really great, [I’ve] just been back on the court as of recently and get the winner’s trophy again,” Robins said.
Robins, who also won this event in 2012, said that as the underdog, he never underestimated Court during their battle for the title.
“Jayden’s been playing really well and had some good results lately, and it was a tough match and I had to fight really hard,” Robins said.
Focus Tennis Academy head coach and former world number seven seed on the Australian Seniors Tour in 2016, Chris Novic, said he had found it difficult to predict a winner in any division of the competition because the standard was so high.
He said competition was particularly tough in the Men’s Singles draw.
“In the men’s, it’s anyone’s, really,” Novic said.
“It’s just a matter who’s hungrier of the day, regardless of rankings,” Novic said.
Andie Dikosavlijevic hoisted the trophy in the Women’s Singles draw, beating long time friendly rival Cassie Gramlick 6-0, 6-2.
Dikosavlijevic said she had squared off against Gramlick many times and said defeating a long-time rival made her victory all the more special.
“I’m really excited, I played really good tennis this week with my family supporting me all week,” Dikosavlijevic said.
“I’ve known Cassie for a number of years and it’s just funny we meet in the finals.”
“She had a really good tournament too,” she said.
The Men’s Doubles champions were Jayden Court and Sam Oster, while the Women’s Doubles winners were Jessica-Jayde Haylo and Naomi Moi McKenzie.
The Mixed Doubles were taken out by Dean Ormsby and Andie Dikosavlijevic.
Competitors in the Men’s and Women’s Singles divisions were playing for the Herbener Cup, which honours the Herbener family, including tournament coordinator David Herbener, who have a long association with the Redcliffe Tennis Association.
“The trophies are of significance to the club,” Mr Herbener said.
“The Herbener cup is named after my family, who have playing at the Redcliffe tennis centre since the 60s, and my father and I, who are current life members,” he said.
Winners of the Men’s, Women’s and Mixed Doubles competitions received trophies that held special value for the Redcliffe Tennis Association.
“Our Men’s and Women’s Doubles winners played for trophies named after our life members, whilst our Mixed Doubles winners played for a trophy named after our patron,” Herbener said.
Herbener said the interest in and prestige of the Redcliffe Open was increasing, and said nominations in the Men’s and Women’s Singles events were up by 30 from last year.
He said the Redcliffe Open had a rich history of famous past players competing and winning at the event.
“We have trophies in our trophy cabinet dating back to the mid-1950s, and some of the names on them include Rod Laver, Roy Emerson, Mal Anderson,” Herbener said.
“People of great historical value to Australian and Queensland tennis,” he said.
Players in this year’s competition agreed the Redcliffe Open was a prestigious tennis tournament.
“I’ve played this tournament for quite a few years and it’s always well run including the food in the canteen and the quality of the facility,” Robins said.
“They always put on a good show.”
“I really loved it, the tournament’s directors were absolutely amazing, especially with updating the website with the results, it’s been awesome,” Dikosavlijevic said.
There are plans to add new competition divisions in time for next year’s Redcliffe Open to attract a wider audience to play in the tournament.
“At next year’s event we’re hoping to add wheelchair players along with an adult and child team event, more suited towards the social or family style interested players,” Herbener said.
Nominations for the 2019 Redcliffe Open will open in July 2019.
