Tennis Australia Fed Cup Official Dinner 2019

Councillor Krista Adams, representing the Lord Mayor of Brisbane; Member for Stretton; Federal Member for Ryan; distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

As Governor, it gives me enormous pleasure to extend to you all the warmest of welcomes to Queensland. 

From novice to seasoned professional there is something very special in the joy of holding a racquet in hand and walking onto a court. Apart from the physical test, it’s a wonderful blend of feeling the body working in perfect concert with the mind. 

The brain calculating tactical opportunities, ball position, the exact amount of power to use and putting the body in the exact space and time to bring it all together makes tennis close to an artform. 

In that vein, Queensland is home to some of the world’s greatest tennis artists. 

Rod Laver, Roy Emerson and Wendy Turnbull are our renaissance masters and it’s wonderful to know they are being joined by more Queensland-based established artists. 

Three of the four members of this year's Fed Cup team are from the Sunshine State. Sam Stosur, Ash Barty and Priscilla Hon spent their weekends as juniors travelling the courts of Queensland. I think it is appropriate that this week Daria should also be embraced as an honourary Queenslander. 

The importance of teamwork is a key to success in the Fed Cup. 

It is exhilarating to see and hear tennis enthusiasts from the top of the stands to the playing floor cheering for their country’s best. Our friends from Belarus may be a little surprised at the enthusiasm of Queensland fans in the Pat Rafter arena, many arriving with painted faces to deliver defeaning applause on hard won points and spirited support for the home team.  

On behalf of all Queenslanders, and as Patron of Tennis Queensland, it is a privilege to host this most prestigious tournament once again in our vibrant capital city. 

Of course, this week is not just about celebrating individual achievement, the Fed Cup is one of the few opportunities players have to represent their countries in an otherwise largely individual sport. 

I wish all competitors a memorable tournament, played in the spirit of competitiveness and international exchange which has underpinned the Fed Cup’s success since its inception in 1963.  

I also thank Tennis Australia, and all sponsors, officials and supporters involved in organising this event –thank you for honouring our State through your presence.