AusLeisure

Tennis courts across the country are set to throw open their gates and offer 10,000 hours of free court hire over the next month in celebration of the success of the nation’s success at the Australian Open this year.

The newly crowned Australian Open women’s singles champion Ash Barty led the charge and was one of 74 Australians who competed across men’s, women’s, wheelchair and junior events this January.

Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis won their maiden Grand Slam title in the Men’s Doubles, the 2022 Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott reached the Quad Wheelchair final, Jaimee Fourlis and Jason Kubler made the final in Mixed Doubles and Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell were runners up in the Men’s Doubles.

The 10,000 hours of free court hire is designed to fuel the current surge in tennis participation and capitalise on the excitement of an Australian Open that has showcased both spectacular tennis and stunning results for Australian players.

With latest AusPlay data indicating that 1,529,000 Australians, including 1,227,800 adults and 301,200 children, are already hitting courts across the country, and the free court hire offer encourages more people to play more tennis more often.

The fastest growing sport across all ages, tennis out-performed 15 other activities and sports, with a 37% increase in adult participation alongside a 29% increase in children picking up a racquet in the last 12 months.

Tennis Australia Chief Tennis Officer, Tom Larner explained “there’s simply no better way to celebrate the success of our Aussie players than by giving free access to tennis to as many people as we can, right across the country.

“Connecting grassroots tennis to all the excitement of the Australian Open plays a crucial role in growing interest and participation in the sport at all levels, and for all ages. We are incredibly fortunate to stage a Grand Slam tournament right here - as Ash Barty says, in our backyard - and giving more people the opportunity to enjoy playing is a big win for us all.

“Whether you’ve been playing tennis your whole life or are inspired to pick up a racquet and get on court for the very first time, tennis clubs around Australia are ready to welcome you with open arms.

“For a number of years now we’ve also worked tirelessly to make tennis more accessible and up our digital game. Now more than 75% of the Australian population has access to online court bookings through play.tennis.com.au, so it’s easier than ever before to find a court, book online, and redeem the free hour of court hire.”

The free hour of court hire is available to all Australians with one booking per person with a booking fee cap of $20.

During the Australian Open, padel - a short form version of the game played on a space roughly 25% smaller than the size of a tennis court - was on display at a demonstration court at Melbourne’s Grand Slam Oval.

The demonstration of padel featured ‘Come and Try’ sessions and exhibition games.

Images: Heffron Park Tennis Centre (top) and Ash Barty (below).

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