Almanac Tennis: Game, Set and Match to Martina

 

“To Smokie, Love Martina”

 

 

It was during the Australian Tennis Open in January, watching Ash Barty barnstorm her way to an eventual, famous win that I found myself becoming wistful. It has been years since I was at the Aus Open in person, but there was a time that I was regular attendee – back when the Open was held on the green grass courts of Kooyong.

 

I felt compelled to write a short, humorous piece about the time I threw an old ball to Martina Navratilova and how she subsequently hit the ball over the adjacent railway line. The story ended with the words “Martina, you still owe me a tennis ball!”  (Story here: https://www.footyalmanac.com.au/martina-and-my-tennis-ball)

 

I was both astounded and grateful for the positive responses I received, both on this website and on social media. However, after posting the link on Twitter, the greatest thrill for me was knowing that Martina herself had read the piece. And how do I know that? Because she messaged me directly through Twitter to request my address!

 

Almost two months passed, and I had all but forgotten the short Twitter conversation I had had with Martina. But, on the day after Australia had been stunned by Ash Barty’s announcement that she was retiring from tennis, a parcel arrived in my post office box. The timing was as sweet as a Navratilova backhand volley. The package had been sent from America. Sender’s name: Martina Navratilova. Inside the package was a tennis ball, inscribed simply “To Smokie, Love Martina”.

 

Not only was Martina Navratilova a champion on the court, but the grace and humour she displayed in her exchange with me after reading my little memoir proves that she is a great person and wonderful sport off the court also. 39 years later, Martina had returned a tennis ball which I will cherish for the rest of my days.

 

Thank you, Martina.

 

 

You can read more from Smokie HERE.

 

Read more tennis stories HERE.

 

 

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About Darren Dawson

Always North.

Comments

  1. roger lowrey says

    What a brilliant piece Smokie. What a classy individual she is eh?

    RDL

  2. Dr Rocket says

    Shame she couldn’t extend the same graciousness to Margaret Court…

  3. Rocket,
    Given Margaret Court’s history of comments on the LGBTI community, Martina Navratilova owes her absolutely nothing

  4. Absolute ripper coda to this story, Smoke. The GOAT delivers!

  5. Ha ha. Magnificent Smoke. Great end to a looooong story.

  6. E.regnans says

    Oh I love everything about this, Smokie.
    And Martina!

    So heartening to read and to drop such nuggets into this mad, mad world.
    Well played all.

  7. Smokey Dawson, YOU STAR!

  8. Colin Ritchie says

    This is a cracking story Smokie, and really reflects the champion person Martina is, both on and off the court. Game, set, and match , Smokie you’re a real winner.

  9. This is the most magnificent yarn. Well played to both you and Martina.

    Christmas Day 2045 (post lunch)- “Right! Must be time for Grandad to get out the tennis ball and tell us the story…”

  10. Rick Kane says

    Wow, man do I love this sweet old world. Another little bit of proof that we are all connected. And the value of social media. Terrific story Smoke, and what a return for effort and heart. Yes, pun intended.

  11. Smokie,
    I hate to admit this… but it was me. I read your piece and posted you the ball. Signed it myself. Id been signing a lot of Martina memorabilia and selling it online for years, so it was no big deal. Was doing quite well out of Tiger, too, before he fell from grace. I have some Bjorn Borg’s here if you’re interested.
    ajc

  12. Luke Reynolds says

    Brilliant Smokie, Twitter at it’s best! How will you display the tennis ball?

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