AO2024 staff highlights
Each year, the dedicated staff at Tennis World contribute significantly to the success of the Australian Open, but this year’s event was particularly special! From collaborating with a Grand Slam semi-finalist to hosting exclusive tours of Rod Laver Arena, Tennis World’s presence was felt across the entire tournament.
At this year’s Australian Open, our High-Performance coaches achieved remarkable success. Head Coach Jarryd Maher was instrumental in guiding Jamie Fourlis and Andrew Harris to their debut in a Grand Slam Semi Final in mixed doubles. Jamie, ranked 219th in the world, has devoted countless hours to training with Jarryd on the courts of Melbourne Park. Witnessing her hard work bear fruit was a truly delightful experience.
The success of our Performance Program didn’t stop there. Coaches Ryan Plavin and Byron Manning had the honor of supporting top-150 ATP and WTA players, Alex Michelsen and Gabriela Knutson, at this year’s Open. Their expertise and guidance were invaluable to these athletes’ performances.
Away from the courts, the tournament also shone thanks to our exceptional tour guides. Led by the ever-popular Andrew Nield and a select group of guides, including Tennis World’s own coaches Lawrence Naidu and James Hartson. They expertly navigated fans from around the globe through the corridors of Rod Laver Arena, providing an in-depth history of the tournament and insights into player facilities.
Lawrence’s efforts throughout the tournament were recognised by Tennis Australia, earning him the prestigious Ace Player Of The Day accolade. The commendation for Lawrence read: ‘If I could nominate one person in our workforce who truly epitomises the happy slam and is deserving of an Ace of the Day Award, it would be Lawrence Naidu.
On a typical day, from coaching early morning AO partner clinics with past tennis legends, to sharing his knowledge of tennis and the event and making once-in-a-lifetime dreams come true for emotional guests, as a Behind The Scenes Tour Guide, or inspiring the future generation on AO holiday tennis camps, Lawrence moves seamlessly through his day, with passion, energy and determination to make it a memorable and fun experience, for everyone he meets.
Lawrence’s enthusiasm, humour, love for playing, coaching and talking all things tennis and the AO and that winning smile, has no bounds. Any work colleague, customer or future tennis star, that crosses paths with Lawrence, will walk away understanding, what makes the AO, the happy slam!”
