Davis Cup a winner for Darwin
Darwin has been a smashing success.
Davis Cup a winner for Darwin
The historic BNP Paribas Davis Cup quarterfinals tie in Darwin has been a smashing success.
Played for the first time on Australian soil in many years, the quarterfinals didn't disappoint with Australia coming from behind to defeat Kazakhstan in the doubles yesterday and singles rubbers today to advance to the semi-finals.
Chief Minister Adam Giles said 12,332 locals and visitors attended the quarterfinals tie which was played on a temporary purpose-built grass court at Marrara Sporting Complex.
"The atmosphere in the arena was electric, with the echoes of the thumping drum beats, chanting and trumpet blasts of the Fanatics and their Kazakh equivalent – it was just a wonderful spectacle," Mr Giles said.
"Visitors came from interstate and overseas to enjoy this first class, international standard event and I'm proud to say they also experienced our unique Top End hospitality.
"The audience exposure through the broadcast is priceless showcasing Darwin's glorious dry season weather and tropical beauty to a television audience of many hundreds of thousands of sports fans across the country and around the world.
"Yet again we proved that we can host high end sporting fixtures, and host them well. And, of course, locals were treated to some top class tennis through this once-in-a-lifetime event in Darwin.
"It was great to hear Australian tennis star Sam Groth describe the win as his greatest sporting achievement – and it happened right here in Darwin."
The Chief Minister thanked local volunteers and ballkids for their efforts over the weekend.
"Forty-eight volunteers and 22 ballkids were integral to the smooth running of the event – these aren't light undertakings and, as always, Territorians did us proud," he said.
"From drivers, to on court duties, patron services and all other manner of duties, the volunteers and ballkids worked hard over the weekend and I thank them for their efforts.
"The Territory Government invested $600,000 in the event to make it happen, something that is only possible because we have got the government's budget back on track through two years of tough decisions.
"Because of our sound financial management, we are now able to sustainably make these social investments and deliver good jobs, better services and a great lifestyle."
