Peter O’Dea takes a well-earned rest after an exciting weekend of tennis.
By Stuart Mcguckin
A successful weekend of hosting the Davis Cup has opened the door for the possible return of the event to Cottesloe Tennis Club.
Having last week written the event off as a once in a 500 years opportunity, Peter O’Dea, the club’s groundsman, said positive feedback could mean they might put in for the event again if the opportunity arose.
“People say ‘look, yeah we could do that again’ it was such a big buzz we could do it again, but not straight away,” said Mr O’Dea.
“To see how long and how many courts we have out of action when all this comes down that’ll be what determines if we put in for it again. But on that experience I’d say we would.”
Australia’s on court success also helps the club’s chances of having another opportunity with a 5-0 whitewash of Uzbekistan.
It was a resounding result as the Australian team of Leyton Hewitt, Nick Krygios, Chris Guccione and Sam Groth didn’t even concede a set to remain in the world group for next year’s tournament.
“John Fitzgerald, who was commentating and has been captain, said to me ‘I’d come back here any time’,” said Mr O’Dea.
“He said ‘The court suited the Aussies, it’s a traditional court’. It’s not a court which is pre-determined for a certain event and souped up.”
Amy Oen plays tennis at the club and was excited to be able to say she’s played on a Davis Cup court.
“The whole event was great but the best bit was seeing all the players up close on our courts,” said Ms Oen.
More than 12,000 people came through the club’s gates over the weekend of tennis action.