13 February 2026 | Tennis Victoria

For Jesse and Lauren, Tennis Victoria Country Week isn’t just another tournament, it’s a much bigger part of their lives.

For Jesse, “It’s non negotiable” he explains, “we go every year no matter what. It’s tradition.”

Each February, no matter what else is happening, they pack the car and head off to Country Week. What started as a shared love of tennis has become something much bigger. This year, they’re not just returning as players, they’ve brought their toddler along too. To them, Country Week stands apart from every other event on the calendar.

“It feels like one big family gathering [and] the atmosphere is unmatched”, Jesse says. 

That family feeling is fitting, considering at Country Week is where their own story began years ago.

When asked how Jesse and Lauren first met at Country Week, the answer still makes them laugh.

“At the Yarrawonga Golf Club. Jesse had extreme sunburn. Lauren offered sunscreen. Jesse expected a rub down. He got sunscreen. Nothing more.”

It wasn’t exactly a fairy-tale beginning, but it was memorable for both of them.

Jesse explains, from there “we filled in for each other in comps, supported each other through finals, and went to an Easter tournament in Yea early on.”

Through weekend competitions, finals campaigns and country tournaments, their relationship grew alongside their shared commitment to the sport. Country Week became a constant in the calendar for them and in their relationship.

Now, returning with their own young family adds another layer to the tradition.

“We love it. Quality time doing something we love.” Jesse shares.

There’s a different pace to it these days for them now. Between matches, there are naps to manage and early mornings to contend with, a considerable shift from the late nights that once defined the week for them.

According to Jesse, “the nightlife hits differently now, with 5am wake ups”

Still, they wouldn’t change it. Seeing multiple generations involved at the tournament  from parents, grandparents to kids running around the club, only reinforces what makes Country Week special.

“It’s really special. You don’t see families playing together like that very often.”

When asked would they encourage other families to experience it?

The simple answer for Jesse is “yes.”

Because for Jesse and Lauren, Country Week isn’t only about the tennis for them It’s about creating more memories as a family and continuing the tradition.