A century ago, Leslie Godfree and Kitty Godfree became the only couple to win a mixed doubles title at the Wimbledon Championships.
Rockhampton offered none of Wimbledon’s strawberries and cream last week and there wasn’t a Pimm’s in sight — but tennis history still found a way to repeat itself.
Bond Bachelor of Business student Summer Osbourne teamed up with her boyfriend Juanu Jock to claim the mixed doubles title at the Rockhampton Open in straight sets, 4–1, 5–3.
Osbourne also secured the women’s double title and finished runner up in the singles, marking an impressive return after an eight month hiatus from the solo competition.
“This was the third time Juanu and I had competed together in the doubles and our first time taking out the win,” Osbourne said.
“We don't always see eye to eye on the court.
“We sometimes bicker mid game. On the weekend I served an easy ball into our opponent's forehand, which Juanu wasn’t too happy about...but he got over it once we won the money.
“It softened the blow a little.”
It was Osbourne’s first trophy since claiming a runner up finish at the New Caledonia Open in June last year before a competition hiatus to focus on her final year high school exams.
“I started at around 16 years, I was playing around Australia to play the masters and I was playing in the International Tennis Federation and travelling overseas,” Osbourne said.
“I took a break from singles with my year 12 studies, and also for my mindset. I love my doubles, but I had to see if singles was what I wanted to continue doing.
“I was playing at the ITF level and I was struggling on the court, but now I’m back and I’m finding a lot more of enjoyment from it.”
Osbourne is now training with Coco Tennis Academy under coach Corey Smith.
“The academy has a really good approach to hitting and I work well with my coach there,” she said.