Women’s world No39 Lulu Sun has sent the club the gear she used in her historic Wimbledon quarterfinal in July.
Club president Greg Sheppard said he could not believe his eyes when he opened the parcel.
"It sort of came out of the blue, really. It had a racket, the hat she wore, her singlet or top, skirt, shoes, tennis ball, a few signed pictures and just a wee letter, a wee thank you note.
"We weren’t expecting anything that cool."
Speaking to the Otago Daily Times yesterday, the first female New Zealander to reach a Wimbledon quarterfinal said she was pleased to be able to give her gear to the club.
"I love Te Anau and the tennis club holds a special place in my heart and I can’t wait to come back and was thrilled to donate to the club."
She wanted to donate to the club as so many people stayed up late to support her at the clubrooms in Te Anau when she was on her run to the quarterfinals, Sun said.
"I can’t wait to come back and play again at the club, the first chance I get, and to see some of the people who sent and continue sending their positive vibes."
She was still finalising her schedule, but hoped to visit after the ASB Classic in December or Australian Open early next year.
Mr Sheppard said the club was working out the best place and way to display the items.
"We’re just going to try and find a nice wee spot where [they] can be displayed, and we’re thinking somewhere inside the event centre here in Te Anau."
Sun had a lot of support in Te Anau, which became "Lulu land" during Wimbledon, he said.
"And we’re going to continue supporting her at every tournament she’s at, which is quite exciting."
He looked forward to Sun spending some time at the club when she next visited Te Anau.
Sun was born in Te Anau and grew up at her family’s luxury spa, Takaro Lodge.
She last played in Te Anau in 2018. — Additional reporting Mary Williams
