The 49th real tennis court in the world - in Sydney, Australia is rapidly taking shape.  The walls are up, the roof is going on…

Come join the festive opening tournament over Easter 2025, welcoming the return of Real Tennis after a 20-year hiatus.

The BILBY, named after the marsupial that has become symbolic for Australians at Easter - will become an annual or biennial tournament at the Cheltenham Recreation Club, where Real Tennis is joining their other offerings of Lawn Tennis, Croquet and Lawn Bowls.

The inaugural tournament - "THE BILBY 2025” - will be in a few fun parts, not just tennis but exploring the essence of Sydney. One court limits the numbers, and "first in" applies! So don’t miss out. REGISTER by clicking the link below!
 
11-12 April: Founders Cup
This will be a festive invitational-only celebration for the 32 most generous donors who have contributed to the building of the court at Cheltenham. They and their significant others (spouses or guests) may play and will attend a Thank You dinner on Saturday 12 April. Practice courts may be available for others on these days.
 
13-16 April: The Friendly Doubles
Choose a partner (or we’ll find one) for a round-robin of a maximum of 32 pairs in 8 pools divided by rankings, with finals. Plenty of tennis for all.

Our inaugural professional Chris Ronaldson will be in charge of tournament play, and so you are assured the draws will will be impeccably curated! Maximum tennis and flexibility will be achieved by playing in the two tournaments if you wish.

17-21 April: The Bilby Handicap Doubles
An alternative format to the Friendly, this will be a “Top & Tail” Handicap Doubles, with the highest handicap pairing playing the lowest handicap pairing entered, and so on. Again this will have a round robin format, with winners proceeding to a final played on the last day of the tournament. 

We will do our very best to accommodate your wish to participate in as many of the other fabulous activities on offer: Sailing on the Harbour, social golf, Bondi Beach-to-Bronte coastal walk, bridge climb, in harness, tours to the Blue Mountains, walks of various kinds. In addition lawn tennis, croquet and bowls will be available at Cheltenham. Please tell us what you want to do and we will work out the schedule.

Exhibition matches will be interspersed through the schedule.
Chris Ronaldson will be joined by other legends of the game such as Ballarat-born Steve Virgona from Chicago, Barry Toates from Hobart, Chris Chapman & Frank Filipelli from Melbourne, Graham Hyland and Brett McFarlane (from Hobart); and possible champions of the future such as the young Alex Rackham (also Hobart), Archie Campbell and Hamish Don (both Bristol and Radley).
 
Off-court events:
Monday 14 April: Welcome Cocktail Party - at the Cheltenham Recreation Club
Thursday 17 April: Mid-tournament celebration - BBQ & Bowls; Croquet & Croquettes; Bubbles and Bangers
Friday 18 April: Good Friday
Saturday 19th April: Grand opening ceremony on court during the Bilby Tournament dinner (formal wear).

Transport is easy with Cheltenham Station immediately opposite the Club (transport maps will be provided). 
Accommodation options will be available at various price points, and some billeting will be possible with Sydney members.
Polo shirts & surprises will be part of the Welcome Pack. Other commemorative items will be available to buy.

Registrations by 31 December will ensure your participation AND receipt of a Chocolate Bilby at Easter. Please click here to Indicate your choices for tournament play and other entertainments.  If you need help with the clarification of anything in the form please reply to this email with your query.

Dick Friend
Tournament Director
+61 419 503 198