Who are the ANZA Tennis community? Meet them here!

Running around in Singapore’s balmy 80-degree heat from 9am –11am on a Friday morning might not sound like everyone’s idea of a good time. But when you’re doing it with the ANZA Tennis group, it’s a whole different (ball) game! Two hours on the shaded rooftop courts at the Fairmont Hotel fly by in a blur of rallies, quick rotations, laughter, and banter.

“I’ve been playing tennis on and off all my life,” says ANZA member Louise White, who coordinates ANZA’s Friday Morning Mixed Social Tennis. “Growing up in Australia, it was very much a part of my weekends and summer holidays. I joined ANZA back in 2015 when I first arrived on the island, and have played both competition tennis and social tennis here in Singapore. I met some players at a coffee morning, was encouraged to join, and haven’t looked back!”

Team work makes the dream work!

More than sport

The format of this group on Fridays is all about inclusion and fun. “It’s very much focused on camaraderie,” Louise explains. “We don’t play sets, just games on rotation so everyone gets to have a hit.” The relaxed style means newcomers fit right in and there’s lots of encouragement from fellow tennis players. Continues Louise, “Naturally, anything for the first time is daunting, but when you have a group of smiling and welcoming faces, nerves disappear pretty fast.”

It also helps that tennis itself is a powerful all-rounder when it comes to exercise that feels more like recreation. Physically, tennis builds stamina, coordination, and agility while delivering a solid cardio workout. Mentally, it sharpens focus, improves decision-making, and encourages resilience. Socially, few sports combine a workout with breezy conversation and teamwork quite so well. “The bonus of playing with ANZA Tennis on a Friday is that we play doubles,” Louise points out. “The courts are on the rooftop, so we often get the sunshine with an occasional breeze. As the heat can be brutal, we ensure everyone stays hydrated, and by having games on rotation we often have reserves on each court to allow plenty of rest.”

ANZA Tennis Clinics at the Fairmont Hotel courts

Over time, the connections between this group have grown, confidence has improved, and the game has become more than just a sport. “We’re a super-friendly international bunch who genuinely enjoy catching up,” Louise says.

Members share travel tips, swap recommendations for life in SG, and often see each other at other ANZA events such as Ladies Night or mahjong. “Whether it’s a quick coffee or a pint, long lunch, farewell, or Sunday session with a member’s band, our friendship extends off the court too,” she says, adding that “we do talk tennis a lot!”

Brush up on skills

Games aren’t limited to Fridays either. “Earlier this year, we were invited to participate in a charity tennis competition, which was not only for a good cause, but also great to get a little competitive amongst ourselves and others from leagues and other coaching clinics,” Louise says.

In addition, for those wanting to improve their no-look backhand smash, ANZA also partners with Savitar Tennis Centre to run ANZA Tennis Clinics for beginners and intermediate players. “I’d highly recommend attending these if you’re looking at playing regularly,” Louise adds. “They’re a chance to brush up on skills and build confidence.”

ANZA Tennis group enjoy a post-game pick-me-up

Sign up to ANZA’s Friday morning Mixed Social Tennis sessions and by the time lunchtime rolls around, you’ve already ticked off some serious exercise, boosted your endorphins, let off steam, learnt something new, and caught up with mates – all before the weekend has even begun.