NZTUA Weekly eNews
US OPEN beckons Kiwi
Abroad
20 year old Matthew Laurie from Christchurch
achieves another goal in his tennis umpiring career when he heads
off to the US Tennis Open on the 17th of
August.
Matthew will be one of strong overseas contingent
that attends Grand Slam events around the World.
Starting his Umpiring career with the 2004 World
Team Cup Wheelchair Tennis event at the Scenic Circle Hotels Tennis
Centre, Christchurch, Matthew enjoyed his time working amongst
other experienced tennis officials and got an early taste for
umpiring. Encouraged by local officials Matthew progressed through
local events and advanced to the ASB Bank Classic & Heineken
Open in 2005, and over the last 3 Heineken Open's has been part of
the line crew for the Finals. For an official to be considered for
overseas assignments and recommendations it is necessary for them
to achieve at the highest level at home.
This year, 2008, Matthew joined the largest
contingent NZTUA has sent to the Australian Open in 10 years. 8
other Umpires from around new Zealand travelled to Australia in
January to be part of the Australian Open held at Melbourne
Park.
Of his first Grand Slam experience Matthew said "My
first year at the Australian Open was really memorable for me, so
early in my Umpiring Career to be on court with some of tennis's
biggest stars who you normally only see on TV. It was mind blowing
to see how much Tennis impacts on society, with the so many people
being involved in one event either, officiating, playing,
organising or just coming along to watch."
For his future Matthew hopes to make it to the home
of tennis, Wimbledon and progress in Chair Umpiring to travel even
more. But right now he has a countdown to the 17th of
August when he wings off to the Big Apple for a taste of Grand Slam
Tennis American Style.
For more information on how you could be joining
NZTUA's growing list of overseas experienced Tennis umpires contact
umpires@tennisnz.com