Sport

History made at Shepparton Easter Tennis Tournament

By Daniel Webb

Apr 18, 2022

Five in a row: Eliza Bingham won the open women’s singles for the fifth time in a row. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Eliza Bingham made Shepparton tennis history on Monday morning, with the 26-year-old winning her fifth open women’s title in a row at the Shepparton Easter Tournament.

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Bingham, formerly Long, has made winning a habit at the tournament over the past five years and certainly deserved the victory once again.

Back to the top: Josh Tran won the open men’s singles, repeating his 2019 achievement. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Speaking after the trophy presentation, Bingham said it felt good to get over the line, with the 6-0, 6-1 result impacted by the weather.

Serving it up: Eliza Bingham gets ready to hit the ball. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

“I had a tough match-up against Miranda Poile, we played each other in the last year in the final and had a good match against each other,” Bingham said.

Eyes on the ball: Ian McKenzie is focused. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

“I think I got a bit lucky with the weather today actually because the courts were wet, so I was able to slice the ball a bit more and just come to the net whereas Miranda’s a bit more solid than me from the baseline, so the condition certainly suited me, so I was quite happy with that.

Reading the play: Jake McKenzie prepares to pounce. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

“I have lots of fun, regardless of what happens on the court I’ll keep coming back, it’s too much fun this weekend.”

Head in the game: Josh Brennan prepares to serve. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

In the men’s competition it was a rematch of last year’s final, with Daniel Ferretti taking on Josh Tran; however, this year, the result went the other way.

Eyes up: Zoe Plastow throws the ball in the air. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Champion at this event in 2019, Tran took out the match 1-6, 6-1, 10-8.

He said winning was a weird feeling, with 2021 winner Ferretti going down injured during the match.

On the move: Cassie Bengough gets ready to play a backhand. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

“I was pretty determined this time round; obviously last year was a close match and I didn’t get over the line,” Tran said.

Serving heat: Chris Preston throws the ball up. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

“This year I was not looking like the favourite, he was all over me and then he hurt himself mid-match, so it was tough; it’s always tough to play someone who is injured just mentally but I managed to be able to hang in there long enough to get the win.

Sun’s out: Fergus Kearney enjoys the autumn weather. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

“But it didn’t leave a good taste in my mouth for the whole match, it wasn’t the way I wanted that to go down.”

Time for a lie down: Josh Brennan on the pristine lawn. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

This year was Tran’s 10th visit in a row to the Easter tournament, besides the year it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and he said all things going well he would be back to defend his title.

Tournament director Malcolm Thiel was happy with the way the event turned out despite a rain-interrupted final day.

Teamwork: Josh Brennan (left) and Fergus Kearney help each other out. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

“People have enjoyed getting on the court again and playing tennis, the social activities we’ve had, the breakfasts, the kitchen, the barbecues, the whole host of activities we’ve had — everybody has just loved the tournament,” Thiel said.