Greek-Australians are known for putting on a good party – the sound and smell of bellowing bouzouki and succulent souvlaki spring to mind. That tradition is set to continue after the overwhelming success of the inaugural Hellenic-Australian Tennis Championships, presented by Thomas Hotels, at Cintra Park, Concord.
With more than 200 players competing in the tournament, the Hellenic Association executives – president John Giavis, secretary Michael Konstas and treasurer Michael Kypreos, were delighted with the outcome.
“Given that this was a first-up tournament, it was a phenomenal effort,” Giavis said. “There was big turnout on all three days and everything ran so smoothly – we can’t wait until next year.”
Players from interstate and overseas, including Hungarians, Croatians, Serbians, and a team of seven from Korea, competed in the championships, which proved to be a massive hit with the fans and competitors.
Dimitri Savvides of Brighton Le-Sands won the Mark Philippoussis Cup - an open men’s singles event restricted to players of Greek descent. Savvides triumphed after a tightly contested final (6-2, 7-5) against Anthony Soravia of Bexley, and was rewarded a return trip to Greece courtesy of Thai Airways for his effort.
The showcase of the championships, the open men’s singles event, was taken out by Sadik Kadir of Marrickville, who produced a flawless display of all-court tennis to win the final over Jurek Stasiak of Parramatta (7-6, 6-4). Stasiak had earlier defeated number one seed Jaymon Crabb.
Canterbury Bulldogs rugby league star Braith Anasta also showed he was no slouch with the racket, teaming up with Giavis in the men’s doubles event. Anasta and Giavis beat the Petratos brothers 6-2, 6-2 in the first round.
“ Braith is a talented all-round sportsman and he showed he’s a handy tennis player with a great serve and a good forehand with plenty of topspin,” Giavis said.
The open ladies singles competition was contested between Bryanne Stewart of Killara and Emily Hewson of Ashfield, with Stewart taking the final 6-3, 6-2. Stewart earlier survived a tough three-set semi final against Lucia Gonzalez.
The idea of a Greek tennis tournament was first conceptualised by Maroubra resident Steve Micos, and the first championships were played in the mid-1980s, followed by subsequent tournaments in the mid-to-late 1990s. “Those days it was restricted to players of Greek descent, and it was played at the Coogee and Maroubra Bay tennis clubs,” Giavis said.
Giavis said this time around the tournament was in for the long
haul. He said the support of major sponsors, Thomas Hotels, was
crucial to the success of the inaugural championships.
“
We’d also like to thank Steve Micos, who has been one of
our strongest supporters and mentors,” he said.
The tournament was sanctioned by Tennis NSW, and supported by Australia’s best-known player of Greek origin, Mark Philippoussis.
For more information, a full list of results and images visit the website www.hellenictennis.org.au
