The annual Kooyong Classic faces an uncertain future after the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club board decided it would no longer be operationally involved beyond being a potential host venue.
“We are seeking a new direction for the event and exploring the scope for an external partner to take over all operations and delivery from 2025,” O’Loughlin said. “There is no doubt that Kooyong is the spiritual home of tennis in Australia, and we are exploring how we can transform this event to continue its legacy.”The club previously contracted the Kooyong Classic to International Management Group , but Johnston, his small team and a band of club volunteers have gone it alone since the event was excluded from Tennis Australia’s broadcast deal with Nine five years ago.
It is a common model for sporting clubs that host events to not be involved operationally. Examples include Royal Melbourne Golf Club with the Presidents Cup, and pre-Wimbledon exhibition event the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic at Hurlingham Club.