Castlemaine tennis star and Tennis Victoria representative Lewis Murray is celebrating this week following his win at the third annual National Indigenous Tennis Carnival in Darwin on Sunday.
The tournament brought together the largest number of First Nations participants in the history of the event, with 230 players from every state and territory battling it out in two streams – one for general participation and another for competition, in both the 14/U and 18/U age groups.
Off court a variety of culturally immersive experiences took place over the four days, including a community concert featuring Indigenous electronic music duo Electric Fields.
The 12 year old enjoyed an amazing week of culture and tennis representing Team Victoria in the 14Us and playing off against fellow tennis players from across the country.
Lewis was privileged to win the final with his hero Evonne Goolagong-Cawley watching courtside.
Lewis’ proud mum Sarah James said it was a really wonderful moment for him.
“Evonne also presented the trophy to him which was incredibly special,” she said.
Goolagong-Cawley believes the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival is a fantastic way to bring tennis and Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander cultures together.
“It’s a dream come true to be part of this National Indigenous Tennis Carnival and to see how tennis can have such a positive impact on communities and do so much good,” Goolagong-Cawley said.
It has been a whirlwind year for Lewis whose latest win comes after he won three tournaments on the Tennis Australia junior tour.
The tennis fan also enjoyed the opportunity to be an Australian Open Ball Kid.
He was also the 12s Boys Singles Champion at the Wagga Open, Swan Hill Easter Tournament, and Bendigo Gold Easter Tournament.
More recently he was part of the Bendigo Zone Squad which represented the Loddon Campaspe region in the Pat Cash Cup 12s event in Wodonga.