About

Tennis Sydney is one of Australia's largest LGBTQIA+ tennis clubs, established in 1985 — a not-for-profit with a simple mission: to be the world's best LGBTQIA+ sports club.

Who we are

We welcome all players and visitors, from beginner to advanced, of any gender, sexuality, ability and background. Tennis Sydney has no tolerance for ableism, sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia or any form of discrimination.

Mission

The world's best LGBTQIA+ sports club

Vision

An inclusive, diverse, healthy, competitive tennis community

Focused on elevating tennis standards in Sydney.

Affiliation

GLTA

The global LGBTQ+ body sanctioning 70+ competitive tennis events worldwide each year.

Since 1982

Forty years of firsts — from a classified ad in the Star Observer to the Gay Games.

1982

It starts with a classified ad. The first ad seeking gay tennis players in Sydney appears in the Sydney Star Observer.

1984

130 players at White City. The first Mardi Gras tennis tournament draws a crowd to the White City courts.

1985

Tennis Sydney is born. The club is officially established.

1988

Going official. The club adopts the GLTA tournament format, Tennis Sydney Inc is formed, and the inaugural Mardi Gras tournament runs with 51 players.

1995

Remembering Peter Deacon. The first Spring tournament is held in his memory.

1996

First out on the street. Tennis Sydney marches in the Mardi Gras Parade — the first sporting body to come out.

2002

The Gay Games come to Sydney. The club organises tennis for Gay Games VI.