Former Turramurra home of tennis ace Tony Roche sold

The former Turramurra home of Australian tennis legend Tony Roche has been sold pre-auction for $3.5 million.

The property, which was purpose built by Roche in 1982 following his retirement from tennis in 1979, features a full size tennis court.

It was the prototype for the “Rebound Ace” court used for tournament courts in the early 1980’s.

As one of only a handful of tennis courts of its kind, many championship players have been said to have visited the home to practice on the court prior to tournaments, including Ivan Lendl who Roche coached while owner of the property.

Some 60 people viewed 91B Eastern Road, Turramurra through the course of the marketing campaign, Di Jones Real Estate Sales Agent Adam McKay said.

The large single-level home on 3290sqm features five bedrooms, three bathrooms and two car parks.

The Eastern Road property was purchased by the current vendors in 1989 for $1,130,000.

It had a price guide of $3,300,000 to $3,600,000. 

Born in 1945, in Wagga Wagga, the left-handed won titles from 1965 to 1978. He coached New Zealander Chris Lewis to the Wimbledon final in 1983, Pat Rafter to No.1 ranking and two US Open titles, Ivan Lendl to eight grand slam championships and No.1 ranking, Roger Federer to the Wimbledon title in 2005.

Inducted into Australian Tennis Hall of Fame in 1998, Roche retains property at Turramurra, but no longer at Port Stephens.