Two relatively rare sporting occasions happened this week: top draftee Jamarra Ugle-Hagan made his Dogs debut as a Gunditjmara man from Victoria and Ngarigo woman Ash Barty won Wimbledon 50 years after Evonne Goolagong-Cawley’s famous victory. Roy Hay shares his thoughts on what makes both special.
Almanac History: Music, sport and the footy in July 1971
July 1, 2021 by 7 Comments
Glen! takes us back 50 years to remember the music, the tennis and the footy from July 1971.
Almanac Tennis: While the Hawks are having a bad year, let’s look at the tennis
June 6, 2021 by 2 Comments
Anne Cahill Lambert turns her focus onto tennis particularly the issue surrounding Naomi Osaka and press conferences. Anne makes many thought-provoking and relevant points.
Almanac Tennis: Ant bed nation – why Australian tennis owes the termite
March 9, 2021 by 7 Comments
With the topic of ant bed tennis courts running hot on the Almanac in recent weeks, Michael Sexton delves into the career of one of Queensland’s finest tennis players in Mal Anderson, and the influence growing up of the famous ant beds.
Almanac Tennis: Are Stefanos and Naomi the new faces of tennis?
February 19, 2021 by 1 Comment
The Australian Open, against all odds, has continued to power on over the last fortnight. With only three games left in the main draw, both sides hold a chance of changing the guard of world tennis.
The Tent Hill Tennis Club
February 19, 2021 by 9 Comments
A beauty from Glen Natalier; memories of tennis in the Lockyer Valley [One of the kids in the photograph c1948 is Cecil Logan, my (late) uncle. He was as big a character as Uncle Stan. Glen Natalier, is a former teaching colleague of mine – he grew up on the farm just up the road from my grandparents’ spud and watermelon farm. You haven’t played tennis until you’ve played on antbed – JTH]
Almanac Tennis: The last Aussie champ
February 17, 2021 by 3 Comments
With Ash Barty’s defeat this afternoon, can you remember the last Australian to win an Australian Open singles title?
Almanac Tennis: Just what do we make of Nick Kyrgios?
February 11, 2021 by 11 Comments
Last night’s amazing win at the Australian Open showcased the enigma that is Nick Kyrgios. Just what do we make of him? We invite your thoughts.
Almanac (Sports) History: It all happened on January 21 (with a bit of music thrown in)
January 21, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Some big names feature in memorable sporting moments that happened on January 21; a couple Poms display a sense of fun; and it wouldn’t be The Almanac if it didn’t feature a bit of music!
Maradona and the bird
December 14, 2020 by 5 Comments
Rob Spurr shares a story of Diego Maradona’s extraordinary ability to change the atmosphere of a stadium and influence a grand slam winner in his prime, punctuated by dishing out “the bird” to an Australian fan on a fevered whim. [Stupendous but not entirely surprising – Ed.]
Tiger Woods: Sport’s Greatest Comeback?
November 14, 2020 by 15 Comments
In the lead-up to the US Masters which starts tonight, we revisit Peter Baulderstone’s reflection on Tiger Woods’ win at the 2019 US Masters and how he has risen from the ashes of personal and physical betrayals. He tries to rank where it fits with the great comeback stories of Ali, Seles, Laver, Bradman, Hogan and Watson. (Simply brilliant! – Ed.)
Almanac Tennis – Wimbledon 2020: Seeing Lew Hoad in a Dream
July 2, 2020 by 7 Comments
Mike Sexton reminds us we’re coming into Wimbledon fortnight. He remembers the cavalier character Lew Hoad.
Nick
March 22, 2020 by 3 Comments
Old Dog has been tidying up his laptop. He found this piece about Nick Kyrgios, written during the Australian Open.
The Parade College Writing Workshop – Zac Heczey: The Regional Tennis Championships
March 6, 2020 by 2 Comments
Parade College Grade 9 student Zac Heczey was playing in the Regional Tennis Championships. Coming up against arch-rivals Waverley in the Grand Final, Zac strode out onto the court to play the deciding set of singles tennis.[Well played Zac – JTH]
The Parade College Writing Workshop – Dhir Choksi: 2017 Australian Open Final
February 28, 2020 by 4 Comments
Parade College Grade 9 student Dhir Choksi details the remarkable return to form that saw Roger Federer, In a crazy turnaround at such an old age, clinch the 2017 Australian Open.
The Australian Open Revisited (or ‘A Day at the Tennis’)
February 2, 2020 by 8 Comments
Paul Spinks enjoys a massive day at the Australian Open – the middle Saturday – the first time he’s been in quite a while. He recounts his experience (includes some supporting pics).
Australian Open Tennis: Courting Kyrgios
January 28, 2020 by 19 Comments
Peter Baulderstone takes in his first Australian Open tennis at the Nadal/Kyrgios epic. Nick lost on the tennis court but won in the courts of public opinion and self respect.
Ash Barty, Australia’s authentic champion
Any way you slice it, Ash Barty is a marvel on and off the court. In light of her win on tennis’s biggest stage during NAIDOC Week, Paddy Grindlay takes a look at her composure, abilities and ongoing legacy.