Solomon Islands tennis presence at Australian Open highlights ongoing support
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
SOLOMON Islands tennis continues to gain regional recognition following renewed Australian Government support for women and girls in the sport, highlighted by the recent participation of two national representatives at the Australian Open (AO).
According to the Australian High Commission, the Australian Government is partnering with Tennis Australia through its PacificAus Sports initiative to deliver the Pacific Women and Girls in Tennis program across the region.
The programme aims to strengthen governance within Pacific tennis organisations, expand access to high-performance training and coaching, and increase competitive opportunities for players, coaches and officials.
From Solomon Islands, Sandra Constantine and Amanda Korinihona of the Solomon Islands Tennis Federation (SITF) were among Pacific participants who attended the Australian Open and graduated from the 2025–26 Pacific Women Leaders in Tennis programme.
The leadership initiative is designed to empower Pacific women to take up roles on and off the court through professional development, mentoring and networking opportunities within the global tennis community.
The renewed regional support is backed by $1.2 million in funding from the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports elite pathways programme to continue the delivery of Tennis Australia’s women and girls’ development work.
Director of Government, Social Impact and Stakeholder Relations and Oceania Tennis Federation, President Vicki Reid said the partnership enables greater participation and leadership opportunities for women and girls across the Pacific.
“This partnership, with proven results, enables women and girls across the Pacific with the opportunity to play, coach and lead,” she said.
Australian Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy said the collaboration reflects a shared regional passion for sport.
“Australia and the Pacific come together through a shared love of sport. The Australian Government is proud to build on our successful partnership with Tennis Australia, through PacificAus Sports, to support women’s tennis across the Pacific,” Conroy said.
Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Nita Green added that increasing women’s representation in leadership strengthens organizations and inspires future generations.
“Increasing the representation of women in leadership roles makes organizations more resilient and inspires other women and girls to pursue their dreams,” she said.
The partnership builds on the success of the Pacific Women Leaders in Tennis programme, which has produced 40 alumni now serving in senior federation and board roles across the region.
During the Australian Open 2026, 12 Pacific women from eight countries – including Solomon Islands – were recognised at the AO Pacific Showcase Dinner, marking completion of the latest leadership cohort and reinforcing aspirations to grow the sport throughout the Pacific.
Women coaches and junior players also participated in regional Victorian tournaments and a development camp that focused on improving technical skills, confidence and match experience, further strengthening the pathway for emerging Pacific talent.
For Solomon Islands, the achievement of Constantine and Korinihona signals continued progress in women’s leadership and high-performance opportunities in tennis, supported through ongoing regional partnerships.
Photo: AHC
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