Corey Nexhip congratulates Tongala tennis president Damian Brennan, the winner of the club’s AO 1 Point Slam.
One-point knockout tennis is about increasing the stakes to their highest point, giving weaker players the best possible chance of an upset.
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It’s what Tongala Tennis Club president Damian Brennan discovered on Friday night.
By his own admission, Brennan is not one of the club’s strongest players.
But he won Tonny’s AO 1 Point Slam — beginning a long process where the final destination could be Rod Laver Arena.
First, he’ll have to travel to Bendigo for the state qualifier.
If he makes it there.
“I don’t know if I’m available that weekend, which is the bizarre thing,” Brennan said.
The president can still revel in his win for now.
Brennan might not have been a favourite among the 16 competitors — but a good plan goes a long way when you only need a point.
“You’ve got to be a bit strategic,” he said.
“I just made my opponents serve, and they missed their first serve, so you can attack their second one.
“That’s the only reason I won because the other two blokes are much better than me.
“But for only one point, anything can happen.”
Hang on a minute. It’s clear what’s also critical is who serves and receives.
There must be a well-thought-out process to decide, given the importance.
Well, no; it’s just a simple rock, paper, scissors, and Brennan was obviously happy with his results from the hand game.
“I think receiving is probably the key,” he said.
“Even if you have a big serve, you miss the first, and you’re a bit nervous about getting the second in.
“So as a receiver you can be a bit more aggressive.”
Blythe Rayson and Grant Rayson rock off to see who serves.
Tongala is one of a few local clubs hosting a qualifier for the new format — Echuca and Rochester are expected to follow suit.
Brennan saw the slam as an opportunity to sell the sport and club through a fun hit-out.
It’s a view likely shared by other clubs in the region, needing to tap more into the social side of the sport as it struggles for numbers.
“It’s not the only factor, but football and netball are pretty much 12 months of the year now,” Brennan said.
“The season only finished a month ago and clubs are already doing junior trials, so people just want a break.
“I get it, but it does make it a bit harder for us to generate some interest because the parents don’t want to take their kids, or want a break themselves.
“There are obviously other factors too, but that would be a main one around the region.”
So the small turnout was admittedly disappointing, particularly as it was only among existing club members.
The president would have undoubtedly traded the win for more competitors.
Unless he finds himself at Melbourne Park in January.
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