Junior focus at New Year Open tennis tournament

FUTURE stars of the sport and some of the best junior tennis players from the Northern Rivers and south-east Queensland will take part in the Ballina New Year Open.

The popular event runs from January 3-6 with Australian ranking points and prizemoney up for grabs.

It has an impressive list of previous champions, with teenagers using it as a launching pad to higher honours.

Lismore product Brendon Moore has won the open men’s singles multiple times over the years.

He has gone on to play in the masters 35+ division where he has won a world title as the top-ranked player on the tour.

Last year’s event saw Mullumbimby teenager Marielou Baudouin become the youngest local female to win the open women’s division.

She has gone on to have a bumper season and will soon head to the United States to attended university on a tennis scholarship.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to watch high-quality tennis up close, as players from across Australia and overseas compete,” club member Niall Ridge said.

The Northern Rivers Tennis Academy will be well represented at the event.

Long-time local player Stephen Gort is one of its coaches and is also now involved in the running of the Ballina event.

He has coached and played alongside some of the best players in the tournament, including a win in the open mixed doubles with Baudouin in January.

Meanwhile, the Ballina Tennis Club is offering discounted memberships for people interested in playing on the Cherry Street courts over summer.

It costs $50 for individual membership and $100 for a family pass.

“We’re offering heavily reduced membership fees,” Ridge said.

“This membership includes unlimited free daytime play (subject to availability), providing a fantastic way to stay active during the holidays.

“Members also enjoy discounted rates for club social events and evening play.”

To book court times and for membership information visit play.tennis.com.au/ballinatennisclub.