Daphne Akhurst – Australian Women’s Tennis Open

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the winner of the 2018 Australian Open, Caroline Wozniacki, made many special mentions of “Daphne” after winning the women’s title.

“Daphne” is the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup, which is awarded to the winner of the Women’s Australian Open Title.  Daphne Akhurst won the women’s singles title at the Australian Championships five times, in 1925, 1926, 1928, 1929, and 1930. She is fourth on the list of most women’s singles titles at the Australian Championships; behind only Margaret Court (11 titles), Nacye Wynne Bolton and Serena Williams (6 titles).  Akhurst won the women’s doubles title at the Australian Championships five times.

Akhurst (also known by her married name of Cozens), died at the age of 29 in 1933 of an estopic pregnancy.  At the time of her death, Akhurst lived with her family on Homebush Road Strathfield.

Since 1934 the trophy presented each year to the winner of the women’s singles at the Australian Open is named the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup in her honour. She was inducted into the Australian Tennis Hall of Fame on Australia Day (26 January), 2006 and inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2013.

In reference to the trophy, Caroline Wozniacki said “She’s beautiful, isn’t she?…  I think what she stands for is obviously what makes it most special. Being here with the Australian Open trophy is something that is incredibly special to me…”I’m happy to be here now with this trophy, and grand slam champion and world No.1.”