Sydney, Australia, 30 March 2013 | Tennis NSW

Australian tennis legend Neale Fraser will join Australian Tennis Museum patron Ken Rosewall at the museum’s annual fundraising luncheon, to be held at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre on Monday 6 May.

The Australian Tennis Museum possesses one of the largest and most significant historical tennis collections in the country. This year the museum celebrates its 30th anniversary, a milestone Rosewall says he is extremely proud of.

”We are thrilled that Neale is helping the museum and our supporters (during) such a wonderful milestone,” he said.

“It’s important for the future of the sport in this country that we understand the history and the people that have had a positive impact.”

The luncheon plays an essential role in fundraising for the continued preservation and conservation of Australia’s tennis history.

The museum has recently added the Lacoste dress in which Australian favourite, Sam Stosur, won her maiden U.S Open title in 2011. The museum’s collection also includes John McEnroe’s ATP Champions Down Under trophy and a pair of shoes signed by Pat Rafter.

Guests are invited to view the new exhibition “Anyone for tennis?” before being escorted upstairs where famed sporting commentator Gary Wilkinson will lead the luncheon and conduct an interview with Fraser.

“I am honoured to be a part of the Australian Tennis Museum’s fundraising luncheon. When Ken rang me and asked whether I would be the special guest I couldn’t say no. No one says no to Ken,” he joked.

Fraser enjoyed an illustrious tennis career as a player and captain of the Australian Davis Cup team, holding the position for an incredible 24 years.

Fraser is also one of the few players to collect a Grand Slam title on all surfaces, including singles, doubles and mixed doubles. In 1960 he claimed the prestigious Wimbledon title and became a dual US Open champion in 1959 and 1960.

He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1984 and Australian Tennis Hall of Fame in 1994, and in 2008, was presented with the Phillip Chatrier award by the International Tennis Federation.

Rosewall won his first Grand Slam Title in 1953 at age 18 and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1980, the Australian Tennis Hall of Fame in 1995 and was the inaugural inductee to Tennis NSW’s Arena of Champions in 2009.

Rosewall was also inducted as a legend into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in October 2009 and received a Golden Racket award in 2011.

Details for the 2013 Australian Tennis Museum fundraising luncheon:

Date: Monday 6 May 2013

Time: 11.15am to view the current exhibition “Anyone for tennis?” for a 12.00pm start in the function room

Venue: Courtside Function and Event Centre, Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre, Rod Laver Drive, Sydney Olympic Park

Cost: $90 per person for two courses (10 per cent discount for Friends of the Australian Tennis Museum)

RSVP: Monday 22 April

Bookings and enquiries: contact the Australian Tennis Museum on (02) 9024 7629 on Tuesday and Thursday between 9am and 4pm.