They are trophies that have been won by many tennis greats — Rod Laver, Andre Agassi, Roger Federer and Serena Williams, just to name a few — and now the people of Shepparton have their chance to see the Australian Open's famed silverware up close and personal when the trophies hit Shepparton Lawn Tennis Club on Monday morning.
And as if that's not enough to make tennis fans want to head down to the club, Australian legend and 1982 Australian Open doubles champion John Fitzgerald will be on deck to chat about all things tennis — and maybe even wind the clock back a touch and have a hit.
The trophies, and the legend that is ‘Fitzy’, will be at the club from 10 am until noon, with fans able to come along and take a photo with the silverware.
Club member Isobel Gribben encouraged the community to get along and check out pieces of sporting history.
“There's free tennis all morning for non-members as well, although after COVID people might not be able to hold the trophy, but they will be able to get a photo,” she said.
“We hope Fitzy is able to have a hit with a few kids.
“I think it's a really good lead-up for all the Australia Day tournaments before getting back to regular competition,” Ms Gribben said.
“It's a great way to kickstart the summer of tennis.”