Following a captivating Australian Open in Melbourne, 106 courts are set to be used in Shepparton and Mooroopna next week, 76 built temporarily at the latter to support the event, as teams from across Australia and New Zealand bring their kit bags to Greater Shepparton.
There are 258 teams set to serve a bright ball down the T from Sunday, February 8 to Friday, February 13, with Wednesday, February 11 set to host the one-point slam on a day the tournament is set to reach its atmospheric peak, before finals ensue.
Titled the 1 Point POP Slam, the cut-throat knockout tournament format caught the eye of the nation ahead of the Australian Open, with the no-room-for-error games impossible to turn away from.
The flawless racquet wielder will win a Thirsty Camel prize, presented in Shepparton’s Thirsty Camel store on Thursday,
Tennis Victoria chief executive Kim Kachel stated her enthusiasm for the buzz of Country Week tennis to be in Greater Shepparton for 2026, as record numbers deliver a big tourism boost.
“Country Week is one of the most unique events on the Australian tennis calendar and to be bringing our largest-ever tournament to Greater Shepparton is incredibly exciting,” Kachel said.
“One year on from the official launch of the Sustainable Regional Tennis project at last year’s event, this year’s tournament scale reinforces our commitment to growing tennis in regional Victoria and ensuring these communities continue to thrive.”
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali echoed Kachel’s sentiments.
“Greater Shepparton is proud to host Tennis Victoria Country Week 2026,” Sali said.
“This event will provide a significant boost for our visitor economy with visitors staying a week in the region, providing an economic injection.
“Greater Shepparton City Council is proud to partner with Tennis Victoria and both Shepparton and Mooroopna lawn tennis clubs to ensure the event is a success.”
Tennis players from across the ditch will travel to Greater Shepparton this weekend as will participants from Albury, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie and Devonport, as well as country Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne tennis players.
Matches will commence at 8.30am on Monday, February 9 following a Sunday night opening ceremony, with four days of round-robin play leading into semi-finals on Thursday afternoon and finals on Friday.
The 1 Point POP Slam will begin at 6pm on Wednesday.
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