Our Story
Return Serve is the proud legacy of the Metropolitan Tennis Association, which was founded in Brisbane in 1921. The association started as a male singles and doubles competition and evolved into a robust mixed fixtures event program, with its home at the former Milton Tennis Centre. The MTA had a long tradition of excellence intennis, counting Rod Laver and Pat Rafter among its former members.
In 2011, the members of the MTA unanimously agreed to wind-up the organization, but wanted a way to continue its legacy in the community. It was at this time that the MTA was brought together with David Hodge, our Director and the ex-National Australian Tennis Coach. David had a vision of creating an organization that was unique to the sport of tennis in Australia. One which was focused on grass roots participation in tennis for groups experiencing disadvantage, and fostering a culture of ‘giving back’ among the tennis and local community.
Through the unanimous approval from the MTA committee to transfer its remaining funds to this new organisation, Return Serve was born. The MTA members went on to become Foundation Members of Return Serve and have been the driving force behind the creation of Return Serve and it’s values and objectives.
