'We can actually walk it, not just talk it': world-class tennis back in Wagga

Tennis Australia head of competitive play and pathways Shaun Mulraney reveals Wagga will again host an international tournament. Picture by Bernard Humphreys

Professional tennis will make its return to the Riverina with confirmation of the second Wagga Tennis International.

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The Jim Elphick Tennis Centre will host the Women's World Tennis Tour event from September 27 to October 11.

Tennis Australia head of competitive play and pathways Shaun Mulraney was thrilled to make the announcement in the city on Friday, September 4.

"It's a culmination of lots of work with Wagga City Council and Wagga Leisure," he said.

"We had the country championships here only eight weeks ago, and it's one of the most key events for Australian players in particular on the professional pathway."

Taylah Preston playing at last years event. Picture supplied

The tournament has become highly regarded with a winner of last year's event Taylah Preston moving into the world's top 100 in August

"She actually played the Wimbledon champion (Linda Noskova) at the Australian Open this year and lost in three sets," Mr Mulraney said.

"So if you are a local up-and-coming player and you want your first taste of professional tennis, you're playing against world-class players that are at that precipice.

"I just think on behalf of Tennis Australia and Tennis NSW, we're just rapt to be back for a second year.

Katie Swan playing at the 2025 Wagga Tennis International. Picture supplied

"We're really grateful for the relationship we've got with the local community, and I just think all of us, let's promote it as far and wide as we can because we've got some serious players coming to town."

Mr Mulraney said about 60 per cent of players across the two weeks were international competitors last year.

"Especially for players from south-east Asia, central Asia, and that, it's much easier for them to come here rather than a big trip to Europe. They can stay for a few weeks," he said.

Wagga mayor Dallas Tout speaking at the announcement of the 2026 Wagga Tennis International. Picture by Bernard Humphreys

"The site and the facility have been really tested, and to hear that comment that there is around 1000 facilities in the state, and this is right up there among the top is amazing.

"That validates the work and decision to redo this centre, and also the work that the team are doing now to facilitate tournaments coming here. That's really a credit to everyone involved.

"You've got to prove it to the sporting codes involved that you may build a facility, but can you run a tournament?

"Can you effectively have a working partnership with sporting bodies?

Wagga Leisure and Strategic Recreation manager Marc Geppert is thrilled to welcome back the event. Picture by Bernard Humphreys

"I think whether it's the Magic Round, whether it's this and other things that we've held over the last few years, we've proven that we can actually walk it, not just talk it.

"If you're able to see people at that level playing here in Wagga, then you can actually think it's possible, and that really gives that role model element for the young children, as well as the capability of us running those tournaments in this city."

"I know the mayor and Shaun touched on it before, but you've got to be able to see it to believe it, and I think especially that it's elite-level female tennis that certainly inspires the younger generation, and that's what we're looking to build here at the Jim Elphick Tennis Centre," Mr Geppert said.

"It's getting them through at the grassroots level.

"Obviously, the more talented ones will go on through the pathways and progress.

"But even just getting the young girls in Wagga out here hitting a ball, that's a huge target for us."

The Wagga Tennis International will be held at the Jim Elphick Tennis Centre at Bolton Park from Sunday, September 27, to Sunday, October 11, and is free for spectators.

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