By Olivia Edwards
We took five with three-time Grand Slam Doubles winner, Davis Cup Australian representative, Olympic Games tennis commentator and 2016 Jupiters Pan Pacific Masters Games ambassador Geoff Masters to chat about his decorated tennis playing career, coaching connection to two of Australia’s current tennis stars and love for the world’s biggest biennial masters games.
Geoff, why did you start playing tennis?
I started playing tennis because my parents used to play social and weekend competition tennis in Brisbane. I used to follow along and watch. Between sets, my dad would hit with me from when I was only four or five and as I got better, I started playing junior tournaments. I’ve always loved the sport and still do.
How were you feeling when you won your Grand Slams?
Grand Slams and Davis Cup/Fed Cup representation have always been the pinnacle for most tennis players. Winning the Australian Open Men’s Doubles (1974) with fellow Queenslander Ross Case was my first Grand Slam success and fondly remembered. Ross and I then went on to win the Wimbledon Men’s Doubles (1977), which of course is the most highly rated of all the Grand Slams. It was in an era when all the great singles players also played in the doubles, so it was a win very much worth celebrating.
How did coaching players such as Bernard Tomic and Samantha Stosur come about?
After my playing career, I enjoyed being able to pass on some tennis knowledge to my fellow Queenslanders via my role as Head Tennis Coach for the Qld Academy Of Sport (QAS). I was fortunate to witness two exceptional talents shining brightly at a young age – 14-year-old Samantha Stosur and 12-year-old Bernard Tomic. I was in a position to offer them both scholarships with the QAS, which provided coaching, travel and sports science support. This was a perfect stepping stone for both of these players to advance their careers and I feel privileged to have played a part.
What advice would you give to those competing in tennis at the JPPMG?
Tennis is a sport for life, so all those competing in the JPPMG are sure to already have many years of fun and health benefits from their involvement. The JPPMG offers the other benefit of meeting new friends and possibly for many, renewing past acquaintances, in a week filled with fun off the court, as well as on it.
How did you like playing golf at the 2014 JPPMG?
As a tennis player, I make a rather average golfer, but having partaken in the golf event at the JPPMG two years ago, I was able to make new acquaintances in a sporting environment. Of course, there is also the opportunity to “relax” after the game in the bar, and tell stories about how it might have been! That’s what these games are all about!
Who is your sporting idol and why?
Rod Laver is probably my greatest sporting idol, from various perspectives. His tennis record spans both the amateur and professional years, and having won two Grand Slams (winning all four major singles titles in the one year), it is a record that is unsurpassed. Perhaps more importantly, he is a man of amazing humility, which is sometimes lacking in elite environments. Thirdly, he is a Queenslander!
What do you love about the JPPMG? Why should people participate?
Like-minded people coming together for a week of fun and competition in Australia’s leading “playground” is really a no brainer! Fabulous weather, themed events, camaraderie and all happening around your favourite sporting pastime seems a license to have fun. Enjoy!
(L-R) Geoff Masters, Nikki Hudson, Pat Carroll and Petero Civoniceva
The new system was born here and filagra this is not something that we would like to see. Caverta although better in some elements but not important for us.
