Seniors on-court for social tourney

THE Victorian Seniors’ Tennis Tournament was hosted by Ballarat Indoor Tennis Centre last week.

Sixty-three players from across the state and New South Wales, all over the age of 30, played round robin singles and doubles within the three-day national ranking tournament.

Referee and Tennis Seniors Victoria president Bert Faux said the players performed at good standard.

“Although we had one person who has had a world ranking and one ex-circuit player, predominantly, it’s a second-tier group which caters for the average tennis player,” he said.

“We have strong players, while others are more social players, but the standard is really good.

“We aim to have a social atmosphere at the event. On Saturday night, we booked a table of 20 at the local bowls club and it was an opportunity to meet, make new friends, and make the tennis even more enjoyable.”

Donna Watts played womens and mixed doubles on Sunday afternoon.

“I got involved to get active, have fun, and play some tennis, which is not overly serious, against people my own age. I enjoy the social interaction,” she said.

“Usually after the day is finished, we all sit down, and have a bit of a catch up. A lot of the same people play in the next tournament, so you see similar faces around as well.”

Fourteen people competed throughout the young age-group singles matches.

“There is an interest from the younger age groups and that is was good to see on Saturday morning,” Mr Faux said.