This Saturday, Australian star tennis player Arina Rodionova and the magnificent AO trophies - the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup and Norman Brookes Challenge Cup, will travel to Yarrawonga for the Inter-regional Country Championships as part of AO on the Road.
AO on the Road has seen ‘Daphne’ and ‘Norm’ as they are affectionately known, visit more than 20 towns and cities across Victoria in the lead up to Australian Open 2023, with Yarrawonga the final stop on their journey before they return to Melbourne Park.
The two perpetual trophies are presented to each of the male and female singles winners of the Australian Open.
Norman Brooks Challenge Cup (Men's) is named after the late Sir Norman Brookes (1877-1968), a former Australian tennis champion. It was first awarded to Fred Perry at the Australian Championships in 1934
Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup (Women's) is named after the late Daphne Akhurst (1903 - 1933), a five times singles champion and was first awarded to Joan Hartigan at the Australian Championships in 1934.
Arina Rodionova is a Russian-born Australian tennis player who has won nine singles and 42 doubles titles on the ITF Women's Circuit. In 2007, she won the Australian Open girls' doubles title, partnering Evgeniya Rodina. On 23 October 2017, she reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 116
The Tennis Victoria Inter-regional Country Championships is an annual teams and individual tournament played in early January over three days at a regional venue in Victoria. This year it is being played at the Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club from 6-8 January.
Over 200 players from 11 Victorian country regions have the opportunity to compete, giving players a unique experience to play against some of the best country players from all over the state.
To recognise the occasion, the Yarrawonga Tennis Club is hosting a free community event on Saturday, January 7 with plenty of opportunities for kids and adults to pick up a racquet and pose for a photo with the trophies like so many champions have before them.
The trophies will be on display from 2-4pm, Arina Rodianova will do a live Q&A at 2:30pm, and there will be food trucks and music from 6pm.
AO on the Road is supported by the state government through Visit Victoria. It is part of an ongoing drive to encourage people of all ages to pick up a racquet and give tennis a go as part of a healthy lifestyle, while also shining a light on some of the inspiring individuals who contribute so much to the sport in Victoria.