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 Tennis (and the Environment): Death of the bounce – how to fix throwaway culture in tennis.
February 5, 2026 by 9 Comments
Well this is a first: an article which combines physics and tennis. Kiwi reader, Vineeth Thomas, explains an initiative which takes into consideration an environmental impact.
‘The Best of the Best of Wangaratta Tennis…’ by KB Hill
November 27, 2025 by Leave a Comment
KB Hill concludes his two-part series on the best players to grace the courts of Merriwa Park over the past century. Today he names his Top 10 men and women.
‘A century of stars at Merriwa Park…’ by KB Hill
November 13, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Anyone for tennis? KB Hill set himself the task of choosing the Top 20 male and female tennis players in the history of Wangaratta’s Merriwa Park. In Part 1 today, KB covers Nos. 20-10.
Almanac memories: Arthur Ashe’s Autograph
October 28, 2025 by 4 Comments
Ian Wilson recalls the time he obtained tennis great Arthur Ashe’s autograph.
Amanac Travel: Citrus Bob’s Sporting Odyssey
June 30, 2025 by 1 Comment
Citrus Bob Utber is heading overseas in 2026 to witness a number of major sporting events in Europe and the UK – and he invites you to join him.
Almanac Sport: I wear my Wimbledon Sunglasses at Night
May 30, 2025 by 2 Comments
Sports lover Paul Harman reflects on past and current sporting highlights watched, usually at night, on TV.
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’.
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.