Challenge the Diadem Pro: event recap

On Sunday 27 September, close to 100 people came down to Blockhouse Bay Tennis Club for Challenge the Diadem Pro, a free afternoon with Anton Shepp, New Zealand's highest ATP-ranked player and a member of the NZ Davis Cup team.

All five of the club's indoor courts were in use, split between Anton's challenge court and the Diadem demo courts, with the proshop running a Diadem sale alongside.

Anton Shepp tossing the ball up to serve — Anton Shepp on the challenge court.

Anton Shepp smiling, ready to receive — Anton Shepp on the challenge court.

Taking on the pro

The rules were simple: if Anton couldn't hit a winner within three rallies, you won. Each challenger had up to five attempts, with up to two on court at a time.

The queue behind Anton's court was long, and it's easy to see why. It isn't often you get to face tour-level pace and spin from the other side of the net.

Players with rackets queuing beside the challenge court — The queue, the sideline, and Omar and Cindy Khir, who ran Anton's challenge court.

Spectators on the bench laughing and cheering — The queue, the sideline, and Omar and Cindy Khir, who ran Anton's challenge court.

Anton didn't make it easy, with plenty of aces and winners. Still, quite a few challengers managed to stay in the rallies and beat him.

Two challengers walking up to the net, all smiles — Challengers taking Anton on.

A challenger in a Diadem shirt winding up a forehand — Challengers taking Anton on.

To close out the challenge session, Pranil and John took Anton on in a full tie-break.

Pranil and John on court between points — Pranil and John in the closing tie-break.

Pranil and John slapping hands — Pranil and John in the closing tie-break.

Busy demo courts

The demo courts were just as busy, with lots of players trying out the Diadem rackets. Puneet Bhatia and Reed Zheng were on hand to talk players through the rackets and strings, and our Diadem hitting partners rallied with them so they could get a proper feel for each frame.

A player hitting a forehand in front of a Diadem Live to Play banner

A player checking a Diadem racket beside the demo racket stand

A player lining up a forehand on the demo court — Trying out Diadem rackets on the demo courts.

A player ready at the net with a Diadem racket — Trying out Diadem rackets on the demo courts.

Swapping between frames back to back is the best way to feel the difference between two rackets, and plenty of players made the most of it.

Stands of Diadem demo rackets ready to try

A row of Diadem Nova rackets on the stand

A hand holding five Diadem Premier tennis balls

A Diadem hitting partner playing a forehand

A Diadem hitting partner smiling on court — Our Diadem hitting partners.

A Diadem hitting partner posing by the Diadem banner — Our Diadem hitting partners.

Photos, signatures and supporting Anton

Once the challenges wrapped up, Anton stayed on for photos and signed rackets, balls, T-shirts and caps.

Anton signing a racket grip, with a ball waiting to be signed

Anton posing with two fans beside a Diadem cut-out

Anton posing with a fan holding a Diadem racket — Photos and signatures after the challenge.

Anton in a selfie with two fans — Photos and signatures after the challenge.

Diadem equipment sales went well on the day, and over $500 of retail profit is going towards Anton's professional tennis career. Thank you to everyone who picked up some gear. Every purchase helps back a Kiwi player on tour.