Well done Andrew! Many congratulations from all of us at HTC for reaching the finals of your class at the Oceania Para Standing Championships last month.

Here is Andrew's report.

I competed in the second Oceania Para Standing Championships in Melbourne in January 2025. The tournament was held at the same time as the Australian Open but, as Para tennis is not yet fully integrated into the ITF, the tournament was organised by the Australian Tennis Federation with AO umpires, balls and ball-persons but not at Melbourne Park itself (though we were allowed a practice hit on Margaret Court Arena).

The tournament was played on artificial clay which gave players a bit more time to get to the ball. In my disability class (moderate cerebral palsy and above knee amputees) we were given two bounces, and those in the severest disability class get three bounces but otherwise the rules are the exactly same.  Having two bounces, however, does really change the complexion of the game - it was almost impossible to hit drop shots or shorter approaches as the ball would sit up on the second bounce and could be easily put away.

Sadly I only realised this while being thrashed 6-0 in the first set of the final against the top seed. I had knocked out the second seed and biggest hitter in the draw in the first round where my defensive game worked a treat, and then had a relatively straightforward path to the final. The top seed was too consistently strong, and I had to change strategy.

The second set was thankfully much closer and I was 5-4 up but I wilted in the 33 degree heat, having played in Haddenham the week before in just 2 degrees.

Although I wasn't acclimatised to the conditions, once again I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who had a hit with me in the lead up to the tournament - it was invaluable preparation.

I'll be playing in the World Championships in Barcelona in June and look forward to more great games at HTC in the lead up!

I have attached a photo with my German mixed doubles partner and my Pat Cash sweat bands; a Christmas present from my family.