Kate Withers
TENNIS
The Traralgon Gippsland Open will roll into town for another year next month and junior players are being encouraged to try their hand at either a national points or non-points event.
With under 12, 14 and 16 points events for more advanced players and under 10, 11, 13 and 15 non-points events for up-and-coming players, there is something for all junior players on offer at the tournament from October 4 to 6.
Traralgon Tennis Association head coach Graham Charlton said the tournament was an opportunity for young players to get a feel for competition tennis.
“The start of the tennis season is October 13 and this is a really good chance for the kids to be challenged,” Charlton said.
“A lot of people haven’t played over the winter time so it’s a really good opportunity to get going before the season.”
Charlton said promising youngsters looking for a challenge would be suited to the points events while those less serious could enter the non-points events.
“Some might be scared off by the points ranking, but don’t be,” he said.
“There’s a lot of kids from the bush that are super talented and need to be challenged so they can realise their potential.”
Players can enter one points and one non-points event.
“Normally at these events you can only go in one event but you can enter two singles with this one, so they get really good value and lots of tennis,” Charlton said.
“For parents it’s a great opportunity for kids to test their standards and see where they’re at.
“A lot of the time we can undervalue the kids’ talent and sometimes you can be quite surprised by their performance.”
Entries for the Traralgon Gippsland Open are open until September 22.
To enter, visit tournaments.tennis.com.au and search Traralgon Gippsland Open.
