LOCAL tennis coach Greg Rowe has announced his retirement, ending his career as a much–loved instructor and hitting partner for many of the region's tennis players.
Mr Rowe first came to the region during COVID, immediately finding that some of the tennis courts were in need of attention.
"I drove around and noticed there were heaps of tennis clubs and tennis courts in Euroa that were being underutilised," he said.
"I was staying up in Strathbogie and ran into Craig Mercuri, who's a really passionate tennis guy.
"The club there had been closed for 14 years and we re–opened it, cleaned it up and had a working bee.
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"Two years later they won the comp, so it was really nice to see that happen.
"I then moved down to Euroa, I'd played at the tournament there before and it was a big reason for the move."
Mr Rowe speaks extremely fondly about his time coaching tennis and the wide array of people he has met through the role.
"Tennis attracts really nice people, it really does," he said.
"It's always just been a hobby for me but I've really met so many wonderful people doing it.
"My youngest student is four and a half, and my oldest is 79 and uses a wooden racquet.
"I've been lucky to have players go on to really good things, get scholarships and go to great schools too."
Mr Rowe's unique coaching style, branding himself as the "Christian tennis coach", has opened doors for him both in terms of meeting clients and making lifelong friendships.
"I met lots of people in town and thought I'd put something up and brand myself as a Christian tennis coach," he said.
"I put three ads in the Gazette at the time and then had 27 families ring me up asking about lessons.
"I'm a Christian guy and I just thought if we had things where we didn't get too uptight and didn't have to throw our racquets, it would probably be a good thing.
"McEnroe and a few others got us a bit spoilt, making tennis a bit of a brat sport.
"I've never pushed it, if people ask me I'll tell them, but what's come from it are some really deep friendships.
"People have me in their homes, meeting their families, it's just been great."
Unlike some of the aforementioned players, Mr Rowe jokingly said he found himself "encouraging the opposition" when he plays.
Mr Rowe has had a long–standing friendship and coaching partnership with Mark Borthwick, someone he says is more than capable to fill any void left by his retirement and who has had a lasting impact on the sport across the region.
"I had run in to Mark Borthwick before at a tennis competition and he was the one to answer the phone when I called the club in Euroa," Mr Rowe said.
"It was the beginning of a great friendship.
"I feel that now is time to call it a day, I know everyone will be in good hands with him."
Euroa's tennis is without a doubt in a good place according to Mr Rowe, saying the town's recent recognitions have been thoroughly deserved.
"I've been across the world and seen best practice when it comes to coaching," he said.
"Euroa tennis is truly up there, having Mark Borthwick who is an elite player, elite coach and great bloke, really helps.
"I believe Euroa tennis has really thrived recently; we saw the Lawn Tournament and the Furphy family win the national award recently."
Plans are already set for his post retirement life, with Mr Rowe still eager to have tennis play a big role in his life.
"After I get my replacement knees re–done and a bit of rehab, I'll be back around as a hitting partner for those interested," he said.
"Ultimately though, it's now time for me to spend some more time with the grandkids.
"I'm also really involved with the Salvation Army in Melbourne and will be getting back into uniform now."
