September means summer is basically back for Brisbane. The abrupt end to winter means the days are hotter and longer, and more events are popping up all around. One such event was the Davis Cup, which saw Poland take on Australia to decide the best team over five matches. On Saturday, we got to see the first two singles matches in Pat Rafter Arena at the Queensland Tennis Centre.

Tennis’ own ‘World Cup’ is run a little differently, but it’s still one of the best events outside of the Grand Slams. The men’s competition, the Davis Cup, is contested each year by over 150 counties and is “now the world’s largest annual international team competition in sport” (Davis Cup History). Beginning in 1900, it started as a competition between the USA and Great Britain, originally known as the International Lawn Tennis Challenge until it was named after Dwight Davis, who organized the first tournament. Since then, the USA holds the most titles with 32, my home country of Australia sits not far behind on 28, while Great Britain and France are tied on 10. Fitting that the homes of the Grand Slams would have such success, but with so many countries in contention, you get the sense the competition will be brutal for years to come.

The women’s competition is the Billie Jean King Cup, which has origins as early as 1919, when Mrs Hazel Hotchkiss Wightman had the idea for a women’s team competition (Billie Jean King Cup History). The idea was shot down at the time, but over 40 years later the ITF was persuaded to organise a women’s team championship, and the Federation Cup was launched in 1963. The competition expanded its format over the years and was renamed in 2020 to the Billie Jean King Cup “to align with a global icon who has dedicated her life to fighting injustice, inequality and discrimination in all forms.”

These two events are massive and draw a huge crowd wherever they go. Despite having a reputation as a somewhat elitist sport with deep-rooted traditions, tennis unites fans from all nations to rally around their country of origin (or of choice!) and get a bit rowdy as they see their athletes represent their colours. 

When we saw the Davis Cup was coming to Brisbane, we had to get our tickets. We did so early, and I was glad we did because Pat Rafter Arena was full. Our seats were near the back of the stadium, a good choice because it turned out to be 30 degrees on the day. The cool breeze was necessary for survival on such a warm day—as was a crisp pink gin refresher and a Cornetto later on. 

However, I am getting ahead of myself. We drove to the Tennyson tennis centre (I know, say that ten times fast…), and parked down a side street before walking in. It’s such a beautiful area, right next to the river, that we enjoyed the walk despite the heat. The centre was buzzing already, with fans piling in for the day. We walked almost the entire way around the stadium, taking in the various food trucks, drink options, and green-and-gold paraphernalia. I love my country, and I have come to accept the various greens and bright yellow/gold colours we’ve adopted for sport, even if they can look eye watering at times. I joke, but it is such a fantastic sight to see hundreds of Aussie’s showing up in their colours to cheer for the team.

There were plenty of Poles out too, dressed in their red and white gear. Less than the Aussies, but no less proud. It’s one of my favourite things about Australia, the diversity and multiculturalism we abound in. Others have taken issue with it over the years, which is an utter shame. We are all immigrants on this land, all except the First Nations Peoples, and should never begrudge others who want to make this place their home.

All around us, in our section and across the stadium people from all different backgrounds marched in to watch, dressed in the green and gold. Those with Asian, Filipino, Indian, African, and Pacific Islander heritage were everywhere, getting around the Aussie’s because they are Australian too. 

Our seats were excellent for viewing, but even better for entertainment. Behind us were a bunch of young boys dressed to the nines in yellow and green. They had reversible shirts with ‘Aussies’ on one side and ‘Go Alex!’ on the other. These guys were massive Alex De Minaur fans and had plenty of signs to get his attention and cheer him on too.

At one point, their mum asked them if they wanted to wear their wigs while the arena was filling up, and I burst out laughing. ‘Absolutely get the wigs out!’ I told her, and then everyone in the section was involved, cheering on the boys and encouraging them to start the chants. They had a blast, and we did too, especially when they got put up on the big screen.

With the boys fully dressed and everyone in their seats, we stood for the national anthems and then it was on.

For the first day, we got to see two of the singles matches between the two nations. First up was Rubber 1 wherein Alex de Minaur (AUS) defeated Maks Kasnikowski (POL) 6-3, 6-0.

De Minaur is our beloved Aussie #1 and has been a top ten player for years. He’s yet to break into that semi-final level of a Grand Slam, but we still believe in him. He’s such a great player to watch with his athleticism, speed, shot making and the energy he brings on court. He knows how to get the crowd on their feet, so when he turned to us and roared after winning a point, our side of the arena went nuts. It was a quick match, and the boys behind us ran down to the court side as soon as they could in the hopes that they could get a signature from their hero. Watching their fluorescent green and yellow wigged heads bobbing around was another highlight of the day.

My sister and I ducked out to grab some ice creams ($6 each if you don’t mind…) and then game 2 began Kamil Majchrzak (POL) defeated James Duckworth (AUS) 2-6, 6-3, 6-3.

I have to confess; we didn’t stay for this whole game. I know, I know! We’re terrible, but when they tied it up with a set apiece we had to leave. We all wanted to be home in time for the Brisbane Lions to play Hawthorn in the AFL preliminary final. There were plenty of Lions fans at the tennis too, wearing their jumpers and hats. The tennis was a fantastic distraction for me, as I was so desperately nervous for the final. You can read my summary of the epic game here, it was well worth the anxious wait.

All in all, it was a fantastic day out, and one that I highly recommend to everyone. Tennis is a beautiful and sometimes cruel game, but the emotional highs and lows are why we love it so much. Add to that the national pride at stake, and you know that you’re in for a ride.