Words by Nick Crockford
Grand Slam champion Jason Kubler flew nine hours overnight to be in Mango Hill for a special ceremony on Monday.
The 2023 Australian Open Men’s Doubles winner joined his mum Lyn, brother Jonathan and sister Jade for the official naming of Kubler Tennis Court.
Built by Mango Hill Progress Association (MHPA) and opened in 1990, the court in Danzy Buchanan Park has been a huge part of the Kubler family’s life.
Father John managed the venue from 1996-2002. When he passed away wife Lyn, who was treasurer of MHPA and is a life member, ran bookings for 20 years.
During that time Jason, older brother Jonathan and younger sister Jade played there when they lived in Mango Hill Village. It was where Jason's career began.
"Having Jason fly in for the occasion was truly wonderful," said MHPA President Laurence Christie.
“In a remarkable indication of the value Jason places on family and community, he flew overnight from Tokyo for the opening of the Kubler Tennis Court. Then, only hours later, flew back to Tokyo where he has tennis commitments!
“It was a great occasion, especially for the Kubler clan and their extended family as the court was unveiled to honour their commitment to tennis in Mango Hill over the past 28 years.”
Mr Christie also thanked the weather and "wonderful volunteer team here in Mango Hill"
The official naming followed a Hot Shots Program for children, organised by Chris and Thea Novic of the Focus Tennis Academy from Redcliffe Tennis Centre.
Jason Kubler, a former North Lakes State College student, then had a hit out with brother Jon, in a throwback to boyhood challenges on the same court.
The court was built 34 years ago with grants and funding from all three levels of government at a time when North Lakes did not exist and Mango Hill was ‘out in the sticks’.
It is now used daily by social tennis groups and with floodlights has many evening bookings.
At 16 Jason became only the second player, after Rafael Nadal, to go through the World Youth Cup and Junior Davis Cup unbeaten.
By the age of 17 he was the world’s top ranked junior and has since reached a world singles ranking of 63 and 33 in men’s doubles.
Jason Kubler won the Australian Open Men’s Double trophy in 2023 with Rinky Hijikata.
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