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Sport and Recreation Minister Karl Hampton today met Australian Indigenous tennis player Julia Moriarty, whose father John is from Borroloola.

 

“Julia is the first Indigenous player to be WTA ranked since Evonne Goolagong Cawley and I wish her all the best for the upcoming tournament and for her tennis career,” Mr Hampton said.

 

“The first of two Australian Pro Tour Tennis Tournaments wraps up on Sunday, which is when Julia will begin qualifying for the second tournament, which officially begins on Tuesday.

 

“Julia continues to work her way up through the world rankings – she has risen from 947 to 758 since May - and it is great to see one of the players with a Territory link here in Darwin to compete at one of this month’s two tournaments.”

 

Moriarty said she was delighted to be in Darwin to further her professional tennis career.

 

“I played some of my junior tennis in Darwin and it’s great to be back here to compete against some of Australia’s best tennis players,” Moriarty said.

 

“This tournament provides me with the opportunity to play some good tennis in a good competition and I always love coming back to Darwin.

 

“I am proud of my Territory heritage and regularly visit my Yanyuwa family in Borroloola.”

 

Mr Hampton said the Territory Government is proudly supporting the Australian Pro Tour event with $180,000 in funding as part of a three-year deal.

 

“Tennis is a much loved sport throughout Australia and the Territory Government is proud to be hosting such a wonderful tournament in Darwin for the next two weeks,” Mr Hampton said.

 

“Expected economic benefits to the local community are over $500,000 per tournament with players, officials and supporters spending on essential services and recreational activities.”

 

Both tournaments are being held at the Gardens Tennis Centre along Gilruth Avenue and entry is free. The tournament is also being streamed live at www.tennis.com.au

 

 

 

 

Contact: Edwin Edlund 0401 119 563
Related files:
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hampton - ATP.JPG ( 1.98 mb )