Sporting Legends drop in to Collaroy Tennis Club

Jordan Thompson and Johanna Griggs drop by to say hi

On Tuesday 29 July, Collaroy Tennis Club hosted two very special guests - current World No. 36 tour player, Jordan Thompson and former Commonwealth Games medalist and now TV presenter, Johanna Griggs.

Evolve Tennis Academy invited the famous pair to the Club as a treat for their students. In front of a full clubhouse, Johanna interviewed Jordan about his career and future plans and elicited a statement from Jordan in which he shocked the room by saying: "I live just down the road now, so I'll be calling this Club home."

Evolve's Scott Fletcher thanked the pair, saying: "Johanna, thank you for an incredible interview. You're always inspiring and your warmth, energy and professionalism brought this event to life.

And Jordan... thank you for sharing your journey — from your early days in tennis to the incredible highlights of your professional career. Your stories were not only entertaining but truly inspiring for the next generation."

Here's a snapshot of Jordan's career to date

• Highest World Singles Ranking 26 (2024)

• Highest World Doubles Ranking 3 (2024)

• Represented Australia at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

• US Open Doubles Champion with Max Purcell (2024)

• Wimbledon Doubles Finalist with Max Purcell (2024)

• Australian Davis Cup rep. incl. the 2022 Davis Cup Final

• Has played and beaten amazing players including Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray (when he was ranked World No. 1), Grigor Dimitrov, Alexander Zverev (twice!), Gaël Monfils, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Kei Nishikori, Alexander Bublik and Casper Ruud (twice!).

Johanna represented Australia at the Auckland Commonwealth Games in 1990, winning a bronze medal in the 100m backstroke event. In 1993, she recorded the fastest time in the world (that year) for 50 metres backstroke. She's since gone on to carve out a successful television career, hosting coverage of the AO, Olympic and Commonwealth Games, Melbourne Cup, Better Homes & Gardens and House Rules.

Both stars were more than happy to hang around after the interview to have photos taken and sign countless autographs.

Justine waits patiently to get Jordan's autograph

At one stage though, having met one of our Committee members at a function last year, Jordan was overhead asking, "Where's Lavinia?" Sadly, he left disappointed on this count.

It was an unforgettable afternoon at Collaroy Tennis Club, organised by Evolve. We look forward to seeing both Jordan and Johanna at the Club on a more regular basis. (More pics. below.)