Tennis players make royal visit to UK

SIX Ballarat Tennis Club members will compete in the Real Tennis World Masters in England this month.

Stuart Strange, John Faull, Wayne Spring, Ross Troon, Mick Fenelon, and Phil Roberts are heading to Hatfield House in Hertfordshire, and Queen’s in London, to play royal tennis as part of the tournament that begins this weekend.

An over-80s age group player, Roberts said it’s a privilege to be involved.

“It’s quite exciting,” he said. “There are players from Australia, France, United States, and Great Britain; four teams.”

Strange will compete in the 50s age group, Faull, Spring and Troon in the 70s division, and Fenelon will be with Roberts in the over-80s.

Roberts said royal tennis often suits former squash and lawn tennis players.

“We play a very different form of tennis to most,” he said. “It’s ‘real tennis,’ the game from which modern tennis evolved.

“It’s a bit like Gaelic football; it’s a heritage sport that has a passionate community of players keeping it thriving, and Ballarat is one of only three places it’s played in Australia currently.

“It’s played on a special high-walled indoor court. The ball is handmade. It hits the wall and comes back.”

Ballarat Tennis Club president Pat Sunter said a great thing about the sport is that there are opportunities for many people to represent Australia in international competitions.

“It’s a sport you can play for life,” he said. “It’s also great to have the opportunity to play with an international community.”

Ballarat Tennis Club professional player, Paul Tabley said his role as coach to members is a joy.

“You can teach old dogs new tricks, and no matter how long you’ve played the game, there’s always stuff to learn,” he said.

Ballarat Tennis Club is based on Larter Street in Canadian. New player enquiries are welcome at ballarattennisclub.com.au.