THERE were record numbers again this year for the award winning Euroa Labour Day Lawn Tennis Tournament, continuing a history of growing year on year.

By Friday last week, there were 650 players attending with their families and friends – Euroa accommodation is booked out, people are staying in surrounding towns (eg. Shepparton, Benalla, Violet Town).

They will play over 1200 matches and compete in 55 events across the three day event.

Past players and Club members took advantage of 'entry by invitation only' such that the tournament was unable to open to general public admission.

There was frenetic activity amongst past players to try and secure a spot.

As a result, the club has had to direct players to an emergency list with the hope of gaining a place due to others withdrawing.

The tournament has largely been a 'closed shop' when it comes to new players.

Amongst the record number of players in the open singles titles (mens and ladies), seven past title holders will be competing again for a first prize of $1000 in each event.

Members and the Tournament Committee have been working on the courts, venue and planning for months leading up to the event.

Much work has gone into preparing the Friendlies Oval surface (with a record 15 extra courts this year), to an exceptionally high standard that will compete with the main venue as a playing surface.

All of the above builds on having won 2022 – Most Outstanding Tournament Australia – whilst also feeling the pressure to maintain an exceptional event standard!

It's not all about the tennis with a barbeque provided on the Saturday and a sit down dinner held on the Sunday whilst enjoying live music.

Whilst being a huge task for our members, running such a large event is a community effort and the club benefits from the support of many local businesses as sponsors.

This year's ladies final was played between Laura Langmead (10 times past open champion) and new player to us, Philippa Bush.

Philippa had beaten last years winner (Olivia Quigley) in the semis on way to final).

Philippa overpowered Laura in straight sets 6/3 6/2 with some huge hitting to win the $1000 first prize.

In the mens, once again a previous winner Tom McKay played off against ex–Shepparton player Hugo Kearney.

Hugo won in straight sets 6/3 6/3 to take the $1000 first prize.

Quarter–final and semi–final matches had been deferred from the rain affected Sunday so the Monday program was very busy finishing in the late afternoon.

Everyone coped with the rain affected Sunday when play had to be abandoned – good grace and understanding of the predicament faced by the Tournament Committee.

Players are now already locking in their plans and accommodation to return in 2024.