The world Masters tour found itself in Melbourne in the last fortnight for the MT1000 Oceania Championships. With 1000 world ranking points up for grabs, players came from all over the world to compete. Melbourne turned on 5 beautiful autumn days for the nearly 300 participants who played the event. For several players, this represented a final hit out before the ITF (30 to 50) Masters World Championships which are currently being held in Turkey.
In the men’s events there were no great surprises with James Fry and Jarrod Broadbent winning the 40s and 50s respectively. Both Jarrod and James are ranked number 1 in the country in their respective age groups and top 10 in the world. Both James and Jarrod are representing their country in Turkey this week. The 45s was won by ex ATP tour pro Allen Belobrajdic and although lightly raced in Masters competition, the ex 130 ranked player was too strong for his fellow competitors and dominated the age group dropping only 8 games in 4 matches. Allen is also off to Turkey and is captaining the 45 and over mens team.
Both world number 1’s Eddie Meyers and Andrew Rae were beaten in their respective finals by Clive Wilson and Wayne Cowley. The big serving Cowley absent at the national championships in Swan Hill proved too strong for Andrew. Clive, who now moves into the 60’s bracket after dominating the 55s will be a tough opponent in the coming years. Consistent, fit and double sided off both wings, Clive is now the man to beat.
The womens 45 singles final proved to be another tough match between Monika Biernat and Isablle Gemmel, with Isabelle prevailing in 3 sets. It was Monicas 2nd final loss in an MT1000 also going down in the final of the Australian championships held in Swan Hill earlier this year. The womens 55s event saw ex Wimbledon player Louise Field win a tough final against number 1 seed Kerryn Cyprien.
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