At 103, Adelaide tennis legend Henry Young is still a formidable competitor, playing three or four times a week. But even the most seasoned players need a little help loosening up before a match.
Fortunately, a team of Adelaide University physiotherapy students were on hand to help this week providing free courtside treatments at the inaugural Henry Young Cup, a nationally ranked seniors tournament named in his honour and held over 10-12 October.
The tennis veteran was among the players to benefit, receiving treatment to loosen his shoulders before returning to the court.
“It’s a great facility, and one which is much, much appreciated,” Henry Young said.
For these final-year physiotherapy students, the tournament offered a different kind of challenge – putting their skills into practice in a fast-paced sporting environment, just weeks before completing their degrees.
103-year-old tennis player Henry Young with Adelaide University students (L-R back: Callum Fryar, Daniel Roberts. L-R front: Matilda Blight, Laura Coventry, Lily Bedford).
Working under the supervision of Sophie Holland-Smith, a physiotherapist who works with Tennis Australia, the students provided players with support ranging from pre-match preparation and injury management to post-match recovery.
Fourth-year physiotherapy student Matilda Blight said the courtside experience was very different from the traditional university clinic.
“We’re used to very complex, long assessments, whereas this is very quick, to the point, get it sorted as quickly as possible,” Matilda said.
“It’s a really nice opportunity to hone some of those basic skills very quickly.”
Unlike a clinical setting, students could see the physical demands of tennis firsthand and respond to players’ needs as they arose.
“Getting to see what’s happening and see the sport in the moment, rather than just hearing it back from the person in the clinic, is a very big difference,” Matilda said.
Fellow fourth-year student Callum Fryar said opportunities to gain hands-on experience in sporting environments were not always easy to come by.
“Generally, we don’t have opportunities unless you’re organising it yourself,” Callum said.
“A lot of people do sports trainer work externally, whether it’s paid or not, through local clubs and things, but we don’t have any organised opportunities. So, this is really helpful.”
Adelaide University physiotherapy lecturer and course coordinator Veronica Tziavrangos said the experience was invaluable in preparing students for professional practice.
“Working courtside gives students the opportunity to put their clinical skills into practice in a real sporting environment, where they need to think on their feet, make quick decisions and adapt to the needs of each player,” she said.
“It’s a fantastic way to build their confidence and independence as they prepare to graduate, while providing a valuable service to the community.”
The initiative is part of a partnership between Adelaide University and Memorial Drive Tennis Club, which has seen physiotherapy students support the club’s Open Championships for the past three years.
This year, the program expanded to include the inaugural Henry Young Cup, marking the return of nationally ranked seniors’ grass-court tennis to South Australia after a prolonged absence.
Memorial Drive Tennis Club President Roger Gonzalez said the partnership had become an important part of the tournament experience.
“Having free physiotherapy student services available courtside is a huge benefit for our players, particularly those competing across multiple matches or managing injuries,” Gonzalez said.
“It brings an extra level of professionalism to our tournaments, giving players access to the kind of support you’d expect at a professional event, while providing students with invaluable hands-on experience.”
And for Henry Young, who celebrated his 103rd birthday in September, tennis remains as much about the competition as keeping active.
“I’ve always been a competitive person, and nothing is better than tennis. Every game is a battle, win or lose,” he said.
“The ones you remember the most are the ones that are the hardest fought. They’re the ones you enjoy the most.”
Beyond the tennis court, Adelaide University’s Health Clinics also provide affordable, student-led physiotherapy services to the public, under the supervision of qualified physiotherapists.
With clinics at City East, City West, Magill and Elizabeth, services include treatment for sports injuries, muscle and joint pain, rehabilitation and other conditions, with initial consultations starting from $ 15.
Find out more about Adelaide University Health Clinics.
Notes to editors
· Henry Young is the oldest competitive tennis player (male) in the world as verified by Guinness World Records.
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Media contact:
Veronica Tziavrangos, School of Allied Health and Human Performance, Adelaide University.
E: veronica.tziavrangos@adelaide.edu.au
Annabel Mansfield, Senior Media Adviser Adelaide University. M: +61 479 182 489
E: Annabel.Mansfield@Adelaide.edu.au