24 June 2025 | Tennis Victoria

The indoor courts at the National Tennis Centre came alive on Sunday 15 June as Tennis Victoria proudly hosted the inaugural Victorian Indigenous Tennis Carnival. This landmark event was a celebration of culture, connection, and the incredible talent within Victoria’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

A key highlight of the day was the Round Robin Matchplay, which acted as a selection event for Victorian players hoping to represent the state at the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival (NITC) in Darwin this August.

From the match play, a Future Stars Team of six players aged 12 and above was selected based on their talent, behaviour, and on-court attitude. They will join the VIC Showdown Team, which is selected based on UTR (Universal Tennis Rating).

VIC Showdown Team – U18 and U14 (and mob):

• Lewis Murray (Wamba Wamba)

• Will Brooks-Gay (Wathaurong)

• Sophia Brooks-Gay (Wathaurong)

• Lola Grigor (Wonnarua)

• Zane Ryan (Ngarrindjeri)

• Nate Swale

VIC Future Stars Team (and mob):

• Dakora Graham (Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Wiradjuri)

• Adelaide Grigor (Wonnarua)

• Brock Mitchell

• Nate Moloney (Ngadjuri)

• Zander Smith (Kamilaroi)

• Asker Stanford-Lehmann (Bundjalung)

A Cultural First for Victorian Tennis

This inaugural carnival marks a significant milestone for First Nations tennis in Victoria. It not only strengthens local pathways to national opportunities but, more importantly, creates a culturally safe space where mob can come together, get active, and feel celebrated.

Missed this year’s carnival or want to be involved next time? Contact: [email protected]

Want to learn more about inclusion at Tennis Victoria? Click here.