Andrew heading back to Wimbledon for second trip of a lifetime

By Simon Ruppert

Jun 2, 2023

On centre court: Benalla's Andrew Putt and fellow Aussie Tom at Wimbledon in 2022. Photo by Contributed

Benalla’s Andrew Putt took the trip of a lifetime last year when he was invited to tennis’ most prestigious tournament, Wimbledon.

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And he did such a good job managing its merchandise stalls organisers have invited him back to the UK for this year’s event.

Andrew is heading off on Monday morning, June 5, and said the decision to return was an easy one.

“They emailed me about the programs at the start of the year and asked if I wanted to return,” Andrew said.

“It was a quick response. I still have my visa so I thought I should make use of it.”

He said it was hard to pick a highlight from his trip last year.

“Just being there was the highlight,” he said.

“It’s a completely different atmosphere to the Australian Open.

“The grass courts are the main thing I love, they look incredible.”

Andrew said he was looking forward to seeing the friends he made last year. And if all goes according to plan, he hopes to ‘accidentally’ bump into Roger Federer.

“Even though he’s not playing I think he’s going back to do commentary.”

Andrew will be in London for seven weeks and said any other tennis fans in Benalla who would like an opportunity to work at a future tournament should search it out and apply.

“It’s what I did. I didn’t think I’d get it, but I did, and now I’m headed back for a second year.”