This week, the French Open went underway. Next is Wimbledon in July, and the US Open, the last Grand Slam of the year, takes place from the end of August to the beginning of September.

But wait, there’s more to experience in this year’s tennis calendar. The sixth edition of the Kiama Senior Tournament, part of Tennis Seniors Australia’s annual tournaments, is set for 8-10 November.

It's a round-robin tournament open to men and women, from ages 30 and above (with no upper limit), held at the artificial grass courts at the Kiama Tennis Club (KTC) on Noorinan Street and Blowhole Point as well as down in Jamberoo (if there’s a big entry). “Which we’ve done three out of the six years,” says David Lehman, president of the Kiama Tennis Club.

The tournament features the following events: men’s and ladies’ singles, men’s and ladies’ age doubles, combined age men’s, ladies mixed doubles and age mixed doubles. 

The highest age grouping is 75+. Last year, the oldest players were Bob Morgan (life member and former KTC president) and Colin Elliott, both in their 80s.

“We get a few people from ACT. The odd person comes down from Queensland but mainly it’s people from New South Wales,” Lehman says.

On average, 160 people enter each year.

“I’m hopeful that we’ll get more entries. My ideal is 200, which would make a great tournament. And, another one to two sponsors.”

Their main sponsors are ANZ and BIG4 Easts Beach Kiama Caravan Park, who have supported the tournament since Day 1, he underlines. 

Lehman also highlights all the volunteers who step forward to run the canteen during the tournament, making sure that players and spectators are being well fed.

The program looks as follows:

• Friday: Men’s and ladies’ singles.
• Saturday morning: Men’s and ladies’ doubles. Saturday afternoon: Combined and mixed age. After the games, there’ll be a social event with food and drinks.
• Sunday morning: Combined men’s and women’s doubles. Sunday afternoon: Mixed doubles men and women.

The most popular events are the combined and mixed doubles along with the men’s doubles, according to Lehman. 

“Because it’s also daylight savings, it means that we can play until 6 o’clock,” he says. 

There’ll be prize money to the winners and the runners-up, and throughout the tournament weekend, the club will run a raffle.

“At the core, it’s the entries and sponsors who make it viable. This year, we’re looking forward to even more social interaction and fun,” says Leham.

Mark your calendars as the entry form will go up online in June on Kiama Tennis Club and Tennis Seniors NSW.

Anyone with tournament enquiries is welcome to call David Lehman at: 0475 857 740.