Martina Navratilova is a true champion – both on and off court. Smokie tells of his Twitter exchange with Martina, and the gift he received from her in the post.
Almanac Life: Max, the Kookas and a shirtless Shillo
February 11, 2025 by Leave a Comment
‘Dougie’ explains how to share five Australian Open shirts amongst four mates much to the disappointment of ‘Shillo’.
Almanac Books: ‘Wonderboy: The Legend of Viv McGrath & the shot that changed tennis’ – Michael Sexton
February 11, 2025 by 1 Comment
Viv McGrath was the first to use the double-handed backhand, a stroke that changed tennis. Michael Sexton tells his story in a newly published monograph.
Almanac Tennis: The top 15 Australian Mens Tennis Players 1985-2024
January 25, 2025 by 4 Comments
Phil Mendes revisits and updates his list of the best 15 Australian male tennis players since 1985.
Almanac Tennis: The top 15 Australian Female Tennis Players 1985-2024
January 25, 2025 by 5 Comments
With the finals of the Australian Open about to take place Philip Mendes nominates his top 15 female tennis players during the years 1985 – 2024.
Almanac Sport: A big year for Australian international sports
January 13, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Are you ready for sport at its international peak? Tony Dosen clearly is as he outlines the biggest events and names set to light up 2025.
Almanac Tennis – 1975 Australian Open: Jimbo v Newk, a Cult Classic
January 13, 2025 by 2 Comments
As the 2025 Australian Open begins, Michael Sexton revisits the classic 1975 Jimmy Connors v John Newcombe men’s final.
Almanac Tennis: Newk v Connors – 50 Years On From An Australian Open Classic
January 1, 2025 by 2 Comments
Tony Dosen relives the classic 1975 Australian Open Men’s tennis final between John Newcombe and Jimmy Connors.
Almanac Life: Travels with ‘The Little Champ’
December 25, 2024 by 5 Comments
Andrew Fraser recalls a rich history of interstate travels for sport, particularly those involving his Mum, better known as ‘The Little Champ’.
Almanac Tennis: Remembering Neale Fraser
December 4, 2024 by 3 Comments
Michael Sexton recalls Australian tennis great Neale Fraser who passed away earlier this week.
Almanac Film: Jelena Dokic’s Incredible Survival
November 18, 2024 by 3 Comments
A documentary based on Jelena Dokic’s biography ‘Unbreakable’ has been released and Ian Wilson is impressed by the account of her incredible story told in the film.
Almanac Book Review: ‘The Fox: Harry Hopman and the greatest dynasty in tennis history’ by Michael Sexton
July 11, 2024 by 1 Comment
Bernard Whimpress has reviewed Michael Sexton’s recent release, ‘The Fox: Harry Hopman and the greatest dynasty in tennis history’.
‘A Tribute to “Wrecker”…just one of the crowd…’ by KB Hill
February 16, 2023 by Leave a Comment
KB Hill pays tribute to Rex Hartwig, one of Australia’s tennis heroes from the golden era of the 1950s. Rex passed away recently.
Almanac Tennis: The Jack Crawford Cigarette Card from 1933
January 31, 2023 by Leave a Comment
Thanks to Jason Buffier for sending in this Jack Crawford cigarette card from the 1930s, just in time for Friday’s lunch.
Footy Almanac Odd Friday Lunch (Feb 3): Richard Naughton and Gentleman Jack
January 30, 2023 by Leave a Comment
It’s Australian Open time and the first Footy Almanac/Odd Friday Lunch of 2023 features tennis historian Richard Naughton as he introduces his recently released biography of Jack Crawford. [Feb 3 at the North Fitzroy Arms]
Mark Philippoussis
October 11, 2022 by 6 Comments
Casanova and Kournikova, a little something from Balassone!
‘The Katamatite farmer…a country sporting legend’ by KB Hill
July 14, 2022 by 2 Comments
Pat O’Kane was a Katamatite boy through and through for all of his life. KB Hill profiles the country sporting legend who passed away recently.
Almanac Tennis: Wimbledon 1973 – A lob back over the net
June 28, 2022 by 4 Comments
Glen!’s recent story about Wimbledon 1973 brought memories flooding back for Peter Crossing – he was actually there at the event! And, this is his account of that day at Wimbledon in 1973.
Almanac Tennis: Wimbledon 1973
June 21, 2022 by 4 Comments
As Wimbledon 2022 approaches, Glen! takes tennis fans back to the past as he reviews Wimbledon 1973,
Percy Cerutty and Harry Hopman – Half-Loons
The sheer will and determination of coaching/motivational masters Harry Hopman and Percy Cerutty gives Michael Sexton cause to claim them as the greatest of their kind this land has produced.